After months of wrangling, Everton have finally secured James Garner’s future with the club on a long-term contract. The new deal runs through the end of June 2030.
It felt like one of those sagas that might quietly drift toward a disappointing conclusion. For months, the «will-he, won’t-he» uncertainty surrounding James Garner’s contract extension has been a nagging subtext to Everton’s season. But today, Everton fans who were desepate for him to stay can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
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Everton have finally confirmed that the 24-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, effectively ending the speculation and securing one of the club’s most valuable assets for his peak years.
Since arriving from Manchester United, Garner has evolved from a «promising youngster» into the engine room of the side. Whether deployed in his preferred central role or asked to do a shift as right-back, his delivery and work rate have made him an indispensable member of Moyes’s first-choice squad.
The «wrangling» mentioned in recent reports likely boiled down to the usual modern football chess match: wage structures versus interest from higher up the table. By securing his signature now, Everton haven’t just kept a player; they’ve protected his market value and sent a signal of intent.
Garner isn’t a «flash» player. He won’t always grab the headlines with 30-yard screamers, but his intelligence on the ball and his set-piece delivery are the marginal gains that keep Everton competitive. In a period where the club has often been criticized for poor recruitment and letting talent slip away, this feels like an important bit of business that the club has finally got over the line.
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After putting pen to paper on a new deal, Garner told evertontv: «I’m really excited to commit my future to Everton.
«I’m very grateful for all the support and all the love I’ve had over the past three-and-a-half years, but it’s just the start.
«I’ve seen the progress we’ve made recently. Now I want to be part of that progress and get us back to where the Club deserves to be.
«I feel like I’m now a part of the Club and I’m hoping to be a part of it for a long time.
«I’ve got family members who are all Evertonians, so I know exactly the passion and, like I’ve just said, what it means to play for such a massive football club like this.
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«The aim this season is to get into Europe — that’s what us, as a club – and us as players and staff – should be aiming for. Nothing less.
«I think that’s very achievable, and that’s what we want for the next season and the seasons after that.
«I’m still only 24. I feel like I’ve been through a lot of experiences. I want to keep improving. I think the obvious one would be goals and assists, which is the one everyone wants to get better at.
«As well as that, I want to keep that overall consistency, and be a player who people can look to as a leader, setting the right examples.
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“The manager has really trusted me – and what he asks of me to do on a game day, it suits exactly how I play. He’s been really important since he’s come in.»
Ian Bennett
1 Posted 23/01/2026 at 18:00:56
James Garner has committed his long-term future to Everton by signing a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Club until the end of June 2030.
After putting pen to paper on a new deal, Garner told evertontv: «I’m really excited to commit my future to Everton.
«I’m very grateful for all the support and all the love I’ve had over the past three-and-a-half years, but it’s just the start.
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«I’ve seen the progress we’ve made recently. Now I want to be part of that progress and get us back to where the Club deserves to be.
«I feel like I’m now a part of the Club and I’m hoping to be a part of it for a long time.
«I’ve got family members who are all Evertonians, so I know exactly the passion and, like I’ve just said, what it means to play for such a massive football club like this.”
Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 23/01/2026 at 18:20:12
Garner signs! He is ours through June 2030. Well done!
Mainstay and future captain. Outstanding.
Mike Hayes
6 Posted 23/01/2026 at 18:24:31
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Great to see Garner signing a 4½-year contract.
I wonder if there are any new signings pending?
Andrew Merrick
7 Posted 23/01/2026 at 22:27:33
Phew, better late thane never.
I believe this will prove to be so worthwhile for all concerned.
Keep building, keep the faith, so many blue bloods deserve a team that includes such talent and effort, desire and commitment, this can keep getting better.
So made up for true blues.
Chris Spragg
11 Posted 23/01/2026 at 23:30:30
A true Evertonian
Future Captain
In true blue style, signs after 3 point at villa, that pretty much ensured another year in the prem!
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Si Cooper
12 Posted 23/01/2026 at 23:31:22
I wouldn’t saddle him with the captaincy just yet, just let him concentrate on continuing to develop, allowing his performances to shape how his teammates respond to whatever authority he wishes to express.
Derek Knox
13 Posted 23/01/2026 at 23:41:56
Good news, any more good news on Beto going to Outer Mongolia ?
Chris Spragg
14 Posted 23/01/2026 at 23:54:46
A young Freddie Boswell!
Lester Yip
15 Posted 24/01/2026 at 00:12:43
Great news! Leadership materials. Keep everything ticking and willingness to play out of position for the team.
Sean Kearns
16 Posted 24/01/2026 at 00:39:34
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Needs to add a few more goals imo but he’s been gear all season. I was impressed with Rohl last time out also. Keep Gueye on the bench for now
Sean Kearns
17 Posted 24/01/2026 at 00:46:51
Signing Jimmy for 9 million and booming off Onana for 50 million was a right good bit of business if I do say so.
Jack Convery
18 Posted 24/01/2026 at 04:07:07
This is very good news. More, please.
Ajay Gopal
20 Posted 24/01/2026 at 05:12:30
Great news! He is a top class central midfielder and is versatile which is so important today. Paul Trail in the Evertonia podcast made an important point last week – in Garner and Armstrong we have 2 excellent local lads who could be Everton’s midfield mainstays for years to come. As Gueye steps into the twilight of his career, Everton’s midfield could be Garner, Armstrong, Dewdbury-Hall, Rohl and Iroegbunam. A young, energetic, skilful midfield capable of competing with the best in the league.
