Everton are set to announce a new contract for James Garner – a decision that Pat Nevin feels would be the correct one.
James Garner’s current deal expires at the end of the season, which has led to some speculation recently about a potential exit.
But it was reported by The Bobble that Garner and Everton have reached an agreement for the player to extend.
Will Garner’s new contract be the signing of the window? 🤩
Presumably, it will not be long now until the club officially announce the new deal, which would be very well deserved, for a player who has been very influential this season.
Indeed, Garner has been impressively consistent, and his quality was even lapped up by many neutrals as he starred in Everton’s win over Aston Villa in the prime time Sunday slot.
It’s a big boost for Everton for Garner to extend, and Nevin firmly believes he is making the right call.
Pat Nevin in no doubt James Garner is right to stay at Everton
Losing Garner in this window really didn’t bear thinking about.
There was interest from Italian giants AC Milan, so there was a possibility he might have departed.
But Everton officials appear to have reached a breakthrough, and for Pat Nevin this is a wise move from Garner.
Comparing him to Scott McTominay, he said (via Liverpool Echo): “I think he’s better suited to where he is. There are some players that you just think you’re the right man for the right space there. You can walk away from that and make it ugly.
“I think, oddly enough, he’s one of those strange ones. I think, don’t take that next step up to another club, to a big club, because you might find yourself not playing. There’s politics, there’s other things.
“Because you’re not the fancy, flashy one, you’re the one that suffers. A classic example is comparing him to Scott McTominay, because Scott was always a very good player.
“But because you had Cristiano Ronaldo, because you had Bruno Fernandes there, everyone kind of liked him but overlooked him. You’re the number one scapegoat. So I would say, Everton is a great place for him, and I think he should stay there.”
Garner could soon flourish like McTominay
This is an interesting comparison from Nevin.
McTominay’s rise at Napoli has captivated football fans, with the Scot now one of the best midfielders in the world. This was confirmed recently as he placed 18th – only two central midfielders placed higher in Pedri (11th) and Vitinha (third).
He has clearly benefitted from moving away from the harsh spotlight that comes naturally with a huge club like United.
United were actually linked with Garner, but seemingly there was little chance of a return in the end.
Hopefully now, Evertonians can see a McTominay-style upward trajectory for Garner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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