Everton paid £15m for James Garner’s signature in 2022.
After a productive loan spell in the Championship with Nottingham Forest, Everton signed him on a permanent deal from Manchester United.
James Garner has become a key fixture under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes, even playing out of position as a right-back.
The 24-year-old has already racked up 79 appearances for the Toffees, netting two goals whilst laying on four assists.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been really impressed with Garner this season, labelling him ‘really, really good’.
However, with the Friedkin Group now ready to invest heavily into Moyes’ squad, his place has come under question.
Everton fans have given their verdict on Garner after a journalist claimed he’d be a ‘key cog’ for the club going forward.
Everton fans don’t see James Garner becoming a ‘key’ player for the club
Ell Bretland sparked some debate on social media over the weekend when he made the point that Garner will become a ‘key cog’ in the Everton machine over the coming years.
Fans disagreed with that sentiment, with many suggesting the club can sign better players this summer transfer window.
@SteveKelly86 replied: “I’m so glad you’ve said this, he was okay and to me that’s all he will ever be.”
“For me Garner has to be at 100% to have an impact, whereas Gueye can be at 25% and still be 10x the player he is. Garner’s a grafter and I like him but we 100% need better midfield options for next season,” @HJWatkinson commented.
@McadamOliver added: “He’s an ok midfielder, a 6/10. He’s the type who will play for a team that’s 18th-13th in the PL and when he’s 35 people will be like. ‘what a great servant’. Never will score more than 2 a season, never will assist more than 5. Never play for England. But he’s a ‘good lad’.”
“He’s an absolute passenger. Offers nothing and is scared to head the ball too,” @Jamie_Foster18 said.
“He was very good at Forest last week but goes missing in every game,” @evertonfc1888 posted.
@Benjah233 added: “He looks much better than he is due to his aesthetics and making him do more than he actually is. He’s no more than a decent squad player who puts in 6/10 performances.”
Everton looking at potential Garner replacements
Everton are in the market for a midfielder this summer.
Moyes is showing an interest in Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, who has been one of the standout performers in the Championship over the last 18 months or so.
The 18-year-old has a £40m price tag and is wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, so it won’t be an easy deal to do.
But clearly, if Everton do manage to land Rigg’s signature, it’d almost certainly see Garner dropped to the bench.
The Toffees are also keen on Sean Longstaff, with the Newcastle United midfielder likely to leave St James’ this summer.
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