Manchester United will face frustration in the efforts to re-sign 25-year-old English midfielder James Garner from Everton in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Sports Boom, Everton midfielder James Garner is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder this summer. However, a move for the 25-year-old utility man may not materialise, as Everton will demand £50-55 million to sell him. Additionally, the player is happy at the Merseyside club.
How has James Garner performed for Everton?
James Garner has established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League since joining Everton from Manchester United in September 2022. Born in Birkenhead, the Englishman spent his formative years with Manchester United, joining the Premier League club’s fabled youth division in 2009 before spending over a decade in the academy.
While the 25-year-old was impressive in his limited outings for Manchester United, he could not become a regular for the first-team squad. However, Garner has come into his own during his spell with Everton, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park. Additionally, the player’s ability to play as a right-back has made him a utility man.
Garner has added productivity to his game this season, chipping in with three goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions thus far. Meanwhile, the English midfielder’s progress has compelled Manchester United to seek a return ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Old Trafford return on the horizon?
James Garner has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as the Red Devils are scouring the market for a holding midfielder. Casemiro will depart from Old Trafford as a free agent after the 2025/26 season, leaving a gaping hole in the Premier League club’s midfield unit.
Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has been dreadful since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain nearly two years ago. So, the English giants need a solid holding midfielder, with Garner emerging as a viable target. The 25-year-old Englishman is an appealing target, as he will boost the club’s homegrown count and may not take long to settle down at Old Trafford again.
However, a summer move may not materialise, as was the case in the winter transfer window, as Garner is happy at Everton after landing on his feet during his stint with the Merseyside outfit. Additionally, the Merseyside club will ask Manchester United to break the bank after slapping a price tag of £50-55 million on him. While the English midfielder can live up to the billing, the Red Devils may not spend that much amid their hunt for multiple midfielders.
