Everton’s James Garner could be on the move this summer after Aston Villa tabled a £40m bid for the midfielder. Villa, fresh from Champions League qualification, need a new midfield general after losing Amadou Onana to a serious knee injury and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. The Toffees, currently 13th in the Premier League with 49 points from 38 games, are unlikely to let Garner go without a fight.
Who are Aston Villa targeting?
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Villa have long admired Garner and made an approach in January. The Midlands club see him as the missing piece after their midfield took a hit with Onana’s injury and Tielemans’ exit. Villa have already signed Joao Gomes from Wolves and Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, but Garner would slot in deeper in the engine room.
Garner starred for Everton last season, finishing with 47 goals scored and 50 conceded (-3 goal difference). His performances earned him a place in their best XI, but Villa’s Champions League push means they need more quality. The Toffees, though, know Villa just banked £40m from Chelsea for Morgan Rogers, giving them leverage in talks.
Why Everton won’t sell easily
Everton finished 13th last season with a recent form of LLLDD and a 36-point gap to Arsenal. Their next fixture is away to Bolton on July 25, but the club’s transfer business hinges on Garner’s future. The midfielder’s value has soared after his 25/26 campaign, and Everton will demand a premium to part ways.
Villa’s interest isn’t new. They’ve swapped players with Everton before, including Tim Iroegbunam for Lewis Dobbin and deals involving Amadou Onana and Lucas Digne. But this time, the stakes are higher. Garner’s role in Everton’s setup makes him a key asset, and the Toffees will only budge for the right price.
What happens next?
Villa must move fast if they want Garner. The Premier League window closes soon, and their squad needs shoring up before the Champions League qualifiers. Everton, meanwhile, are weighing up their options-do they cash in now or hold out for a bigger offer?
One thing’s clear: Garner’s future won’t be decided in a week. Both clubs have work to do, and the midfielder’s fate could shape both teams’ seasons. League standing: 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL.
