James Garner is set to break Everton’s transfer record when he eventually leaves the club, according to former senior scout Bryan King. The 25-year-old midfielder has starred this season for the Toffees, who currently sit 13th with 49 points from 38 games and a -3 goal difference.
Why Garner’s sale would rewrite Everton’s history
Romelu Lukaku’s £75m move to Manchester United in 2017 remains Everton’s record exit, but the market has skyrocketed since then. Garner, now 25, signed a new deal in January and is contracted until 2030, yet King insists a huge bid will arrive if he keeps delivering. “At some stage he’s going to move on, I would imagine, if they don’t win anything,” King told Football Insider. “He’ll be wanting to go to a club who are in the running for trophies, certainly playing in Europe.”
The latest transfer fees underline the math. Elliot Anderson’s £116m switch to Manchester City this summer set a new high for English midfielders, while Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes fetched £100m and £85m respectively. Garner’s price tag could land in the same stratosphere.
What Garner’s contract means for Everton
The midfielder’s January renewal was a vote of confidence. “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,” Garner said. “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.”
Everton’s hierarchy clearly backs him. With the Toffees 36 points behind Arsenal and on a three-game losing streak - including a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on 2026-05-24 - the club can’t afford to lose Garner without a top-tier return. Their next match, a trip to Bolton on 2026-07-25, offers little comfort.
The England dream driving Garner’s valuation
King’s forecast hinges on Garner’s international ambitions. “You see what Anderson went for. You wouldn’t expect him to go for much less, would you?” he said. The midfielder’s value climbs only if he’s starring in Europe’s top competitions, a route that also boosts his England chances. His knack for unsettling opponents - “frightens players to death,” per an ex-Everton man - only raises his stock.
What’s next for Everton and Garner
A move this summer looks unlikely, but the window won’t stay open forever. Everton will push for a fee that matches Garner’s ceiling, while suitors circle. The Toffees’ recent form - no wins in their last five and just two draws - piles pressure on the squad to improve before any sale. With 47 goals scored and 50 conceded, their defence remains the biggest worry.
Everton fans can take pride in Garner’s loyalty, but the math is simple. If the club fails to turn things around, the midfielder’s next step will be a record-breaking exit - and a new chapter for Everton’s finances. League standing: 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL.
