After Jordan Pickford, Everton must give ‘outstanding’ star new contract
Jordan Pickford cannot be the only Everton star who is handed a new contract in the next few weeks.
Pickford looks set to commit his future to Everton, with the Blues keen to sign him up for the rest of his career.
David Moyes sees Pickford as a key part of his Everton plans, and that is clear by how keen the Toffees are to tie him down.
However, there are other stars that they must act quickly to secure after Pickford before they end up running down their contracts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
James Garner must be next for Everton contract
James Garner has emerged as one of Everton’s best players, and his versatility is a huge asset for Moyes and Co.
The Englishman is primarily a central midfielder, but he filled in at left-back in the opening two matches due to Vitaliy Mykolenko’s injury issues.
He was described as “outstanding” by Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith on The Football Show for his performance in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth in 2023.
Garner‘s contract expires in the summer of 2026, although the Blues do have an option to extend it by a year if they want to, and they must tie him down soon.
Everton must keep hold of James Garner
It is unfathomable that Moyes could lose Garner, as he is a key player at the base of midfield and he is only getting better.
Securing his future is even more important as Idrissa Gueye is only getting older and will not be as reliable going forward.
- Garner has made 88 appearances in his Everton career
- He has scored three goals and notched four assists in that time
- He has attempted six tackles this season, with a 100 per cent success rate
Moyes needs somebody he can rely on, and Garner has proven to be exactly that since signing from Manchester United in 2022 after loan spells with Watford and Nottingham Forest.
It is imperative that he is the next one to be offered a new contract, as the Blues cannot afford to lose his influence in the middle of the pitch as he grows as a player.
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