For many years now, Everton have fallen way below the expectations set by the supporters amid the previous success in years gone by on Merseyside.
The Toffees have gained a reputation for being one of England’s biggest clubs, but it’s safe to say their league standing in recent years is a reflection of the struggles they have endured.
However, if they are to get anywhere near the European places during the near future, it’s vital the hierarchy are able to keep hold of one first-team talent.
Why Garner is Everton’s best signing in recent years
In the summer of 2022, Everton fans would not have known what to expect from James Garner after the hierarchy forked out a reported £9m to prise him away from Manchester United.
The 25-year-old certainly took time to settle into life on Merseyside, with the Englishman even featuring in an unfamiliar right-back role during the early stages of his time at the club.
However, over recent times, he’s shifted back into central midfield and developed into an elite talent and one who’s a leading talent within the Premier League.
He’s currently on a run of 42 starts out of a possible 43 league starts, dating back to the start of the 2025/26 campaign, with only Jordan Pickford able to boast a better record.
As a result of Garner’s tremendous displays of late, he’s become a member of Thomas Tuchel’s England national team setup – highlighting the development he’s made in recent seasons.
|
Most PL starts for Everton since 2025/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
PL starts |
|
Jordan Pickford |
43 |
|
James Garner |
42 |
|
James Tarkowski |
42 |
|
Vitaliy Mykolenko |
38 |
|
Iliman Ndiaye |
32 |
|
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall |
35 |
|
Jake O’Brien |
40 |
|
Michael Keane |
31 |
Given his rise, there’s no denying the club secured a bargain deal, with the midfielder a player who is undoubtedly worth over the £50m in the modern transfer market.
How Garner has become so crucial to Moyes at Everton
Given the sheer number of starts over recent seasons, there’s no denying Garner has developed into one of David Moyes’ key talents in his pursuit for glory at Everton.
However, his stats from the early stages of the new season showcase his importance to the manager, with many of his figures ranking him highly compared to those in his position.
The 25-year-old has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, which has placed him in the top 15% of all players in the Premier League.
Even without possession, he’s been a force to be reckoned with in England’s top-flight, subsequently winning 57% of the ground duels he’s entered this campaign.
Like his numbers with the ball at his feet, he’s been able to rank higher than a whole host of players in the division, with his tally higher than 70% of players in his position.
How Everton can secure their best signing since Garner
Even though the transfer window remains closed until January, the Everton hierarchy have already started working on a number of possible signings this winter.
Palmeiras centre-forward Jose Lopez has been touted as one possible option in the upcoming window, with scouts already being sent to watch the Argentine.
He’s netted 21 goals for the Brazilian outfit throughout 2026 to date, which could see him provide needed cover for Moyes within the final third.
However, he’s not the only player currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with a deal for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde a possibility come the winter transfer window.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Spaniard’s intermediaries have reached out to the Toffees over the possibility of a loan move when the next window opens.
The report states that the player himself would be open to a move to the Premier League in the near future after falling down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.
The likes of Sunderland, Manchester United and Fulham also remain keen on a deal for the 22-year-old, which could lead to a possible transfer battle in the near future.
Whilst he’s struggled for game time this season, Balde has previously showcased his talents within Spain’s top-flight, as seen during the 2025/26 campaign.
Balde managed to create an impressive tally of 1.2 chances per 90 in LaLiga last season, which could see him allow the attacking options on Merseyside to benefit from his talent in possession.
The aforementioned figure placed him in the top 25% of all full-backs in Europe last term, which highlights his tremendous ability to progress the ball and backing Domagoj Kostanjšak’s claim that he’s “world-class.”
However, even without the ball, Balde managed to catch the eye last season, subsequently coming out on top of 58% of his ground duels – also placing him in the top 15% of players in his position.
The Barca star’s tally of 1.7 tackles made per 90 and only being dribbled past eight times throughout 2025/26 showcases his tremendous ability in the defensive third alongside his attacking threat.
His experience and quality at the very top of the European game would make him a phenomenal addition for Moyes’ men in the quest to win silverware.
Should he make the move and get anywhere near the level of Garner on Merseyside, it would be a sensational deal and one which could solve a problem position in the senior ranks.