EVERTON have completed the £15million signing of James Garner from Manchester United.
The England U21 midfielder, 21, has penned a four-year-deal at Goodison Park – to the outrage of supporters at Old Trafford.
James Garner poses after signing for Everton
James Garner has completed his £15m move from Man Utd to Everton
He becomes boss Frank Lampard’s eighth summer signing after the arrivals of James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre, Conor Coady, Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay.
After completing his move, which United will get an initial £9m with a possible additional £6m in add-ons, Garner told evertontv: “I’m made up to sign for Everton.
“It’s a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player.
“I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get started.
“The manager has got a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him on a daily basis is major for me.
“Him and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. That’s what I’m hoping for.
“I know how passionate Evertonians are. I’m passionate myself and the sort of player who feeds off the crowd.
“I know what the fans are like so I think I’ll be a good fit.
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“I’m a box-to-box midfielder who can play in different roles and can support in defence and attack.
“I like to support with goals and assists but can do the hard work, too, which is equally important.
“I feel like I can bring real energy to the team – it is something that Everton definitely demands and I can add that in abundance. I have got quality as well so hopefully I can be a big part of us having a good season.”
Lampard said: “James is a fantastic midfielder with a great all-round game who has qualities we know Evertonians will appreciate.
“We are really looking forward to working with him and having him add further strength to our squad.”
Garner, who was born in Birkenhead on Merseyside, joined Manchester United’s academy aged eight and made his first-team debut at 17 against Crystal Palace in February 2019.
After a stint at Watford in 2020, the star joined Nottingham Forest on loan in January 2021 and that was later extended for the duration of last season.
Garner played a key role in helping Steve Cooper’s side to secure promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists in 45 matches.
Now he is hoping to continue improving on those displays with the Blues.
He added: “My experience at Nottingham Forest last season, and how I improved as a player, has given me confidence I can perform at the highest level.
“I want to take that into the Premier League now and do it with Everton.”
