JibrinHow close Leicester City & Southampton actually came to blocking Everton’s James Garner transfer
James Garner has featured in 116 matches since joining Everton from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, but Leicester City and Southampton held genuine interest following an impressive spell with Nottingham Forest.
The 18-month loan at Nottingham Forest in the Championship helped to put James Garner on the radar, having assisted the club in earning promotion to the Premier League in 2021/22 during his second City Ground stint from Manchester United.
The midfielder was a set-piece taker during that period, netting eight and assisting 10 in his 69 appearances for the club. Garner was always expected to move up to the top flight that summer, whether with Man United, Forest, or another side.
He signed an initial four-year deal at Goodison Park in September 2022, with Sky Sports providing the details of a £9 million switch to Everton which could increase to £15 million with add-ons. Five goals and nine assists in 116 games later, Garner has established himself as one of the club’s standout performers.
Garner has recorded three and five of those respectively in 2025/26 alone, with the 24-year-old very much one of the most in-form players in the Premier League. His displays could see an England call-up soon, as well as transfer speculation potentially heightening.
Leicester City and Southampton wanted Everton’s James Garner after Nottingham Forest success
Garner’s adaptability is particularly impressive, with the midfielder capable of filling in at right-back or left-back when called upon. However, he is more than a squad player, with the defensive or central midfielder an excellent technician with plenty of untapped potential.
That potential explains why so many clubs were keen in 2022, given his Old Trafford contract was nearing its end. The Athletic report that Everton were not the only team interested in the English top flight.
They explain, even on deadline day, after agreeing a deal that would rise to £15 million if all add-ons were triggered, there was a fear he would end up elsewhere. Nottingham Forest are not named, with Leicester City or Southampton the main concerns for Everton.
How close that deal came has been uncovered, with it being “due to medical checks and the need for late sign-off on the deal.”
The report further explains that, at one stage,”Garner seemed to be on his way for last-minute talks elsewhere, but pre-existing relationships and his desire to move to Everton proved important.”
How significant of a difference-maker James Garner has become for Everton
Garner has been an ever-present for Everton this season, having started every fixture in all competitions. His 32 appearances are matched only by James Tarkowski in the squad.
Availability is often described as the best ability but Garner’s sheer reliability is where his standing has been forged. Week after week, he turns in dependable performances in midfield, seldom falling below a solid level. Per FotMob, only Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and Bruno Guimaraes rank higher for average rating.
It’s hugely significant for Everton that they secured him over Southampton or Leicester, given Garner contributes steadily in both defensive and attacking phases. That dependability enables a team’s midfield shape to operate smoothly and gives teammates belief that he will perform his duties effectively every match.
His versatility is also a key asset, though slightly secondary to his consistency. Another vital attribute is his aforementioned set-piece ability. Garner is capable of delivering dangerous corners and free kicks with precision and poise but his growth extends beyond those three areas of his skill-set.
Beyond those three traits, Garner’s passing range and tactical intelligence are also remarkable. He interprets the game well, moves the ball efficiently over both short and long distances, and assists in dictating rhythm. Together, these qualities make him a reliable player and one every side needs, especially given what has transpired for Leicester and Southampton since Everton landed him.
Jibrin
