Ian Darke: Everton have a ‘fantastic’ player who often goes unnoticed.
James Garner is part of the Everton squad that has revitalized their season under David Moyes.
When a squad experiences significant individual improvements, the team as a whole benefits, reinforcing David Moyes’ tendency to credit his players rather than his own influence.
James Garner faced injury setbacks during the first half of the season under Sean Dyche but has since become a crucial yet often underrated figure in Everton’s midfield.
Garner’s Future at Everton Uncertain
Despite his growing importance at Everton, some expect Garner to leave the club this summer.
A native of the Wirral, he is ironically now closer to home than during his Manchester United academy days.
He made the switch from United to Everton in 2022 but has struggled with injuries this season, limiting him to just 14 appearances across all competitions.
A back injury and earlier calf problems kept him sidelined, though he has now started the last eight matches after making his return as a substitute in the 25 January victory over Brighton.
TV commentator Ian Darke believes Garner is often “overlooked” due to the presence of more defensive-minded players in Moyes’ team.
With his contract running until 2026, former Everton goalkeeper Bryan King has suggested any contract extension may simply be a strategy to increase his transfer value.
“I think he’s a talented player who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves,” Darke told Goodison News.
“When Everton recently played Leicester at home, he played a couple of fantastic passes that contributed to goals.
I like him because he’s a playmaker. Not every midfielder needs to be a destroyer or a box-to-box player, though he has elements of that in his game.
“He wasn’t fit for a period at the start of the season, but he has come back strongly.”
Everton’s Summer Rebuild Plans
Everton are expected to undergo a squad rebuild in the summer, aligning with the perceived ambitions of new owners, the Friedkins.
While Garner could be one of the players to depart, several others may also leave, as the club seeks upgrades in key positions to progress to the next level.
The financial situation remains uncertain, particularly with plans in motion to pay off the cost of Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
Everton’s financial instability under Farhad Moshiri has been well-documented, and the club is aiming for more stability moving forward.
At just 24 years old, Garner still has much to offer, and he could be a player Moyes wants to retain.
However, given the club’s evolving strategy, his future remains uncertain heading into the summer transfer window.
