James Garner is set to sign a new long‑term contract with Everton, committing his future to the Merseyside club amid sustained interest from AC Milan.
The 24‑year‑old midfielder has agreed terms for improved wages and an extended stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the deal set to be completed in the coming days.
Everton have moved to secure Garner’s signature after rebuffing approaches from Serie A, where the Italian giants had monitored his progress for much of this season. Interest from the Rossoneri intensified as the English central midfielder continued to deliver consistently in Premier League and domestic cup action for David Moyes’s side.
Garner’s new contract will reportedly run beyond the original June 2026 expiry, replacing the existing deal that contained an optional extension clause with a fresh long‑term agreement.
The midfielder’s form in the 2025/26 campaign has drawn attention. Garner has been a regular starter in Everton’s engine room, contributing defensive actions, forward play, and three goals across all competitions so far. His performances have placed him among the club’s most trusted performers under Moyes, who uses the ex‑Manchester United academy graduate in advanced midfield roles.
Everton’s managing director of football has overseen renewed negotiations, with the club determined to protect Garner’s value amid serious external interest. Milan were among the clubs credited with tracking the midfielder’s situation, though they didn’t put in a formal offer.
Garner’s rise at Everton follows an earlier loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he enjoyed a breakthrough that helped the club return to the Premier League. After leaving United for Everton in 2022, he has since become key to the Toffees’ rebuild.
A return to United had been rumoured in some corners of the media, given his development and England youth international status, but Everton’s contract move has ended those ideas.
