David Moyes has already scouted perfect James Garner replacement if he leaves Everton
The most important piece of business Everton could do in the January transfer window is tying down James Garner to a new contract.
Garner sees his Everton contract in 2026, and although the Toffees are keen to reward his form with a new deal, they’re no closer to agreeing on the finances.
In the opening months of the season, the 24-year-old has been one of David Moyes’ most important players, showcasing his versatility as a left-back and all-action central midfielder.
As a result, the Englishman has become a sought-after commodity, with Aston Villa and Newcastle showing an interest in signing Garner.
Goodison News revealed in November that Everton would sell Garner for around £40million, but with his contract expiring, he could leave for less than his valuation, and a replacement should be in the pipeline.
Everton should go for Hayden Hackney if James Garner leaves
In the summer, Everton were linked with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, and in recent days, the Toffees have reopened their interest in the Englishman.
Hackney almost joined Ipswich Town on transfer deadline day, before choosing to stay with his boyhood club, who are mounting a promotion challenge.
Under the guidance of Kim Hellberg, Boro are in second position, seven points above third-place Preston and five behind leaders Coventry City.
Hackney, of course, has played a vital role in establishing his side as promotion contenders with three goals and six assists in 21 Championship appearances.
A source of goal involvements from midfield, but also a conductor and a ferocious ball-winner, the 23-year-old has transformed into the complete midfielder, and the statistics speak volumes.
| Hayden Hackney’s per 90 stats | Rank among Championship midfielders |
| 0.18 non-penalty goals | Top 18% |
| 0.25 assists | Top 3% |
| 4.3 shot-creating actions | Top 6% |
| 7.66 progressive passes | Top 4% |
| 2.82 progressive carries | Top 2% |
| 2.62 touches (att pen) | Top 7% |
The Boro midfield machine – who sees his contract expire in June 2027 – has proven that he’s too good for the second-tier and is arguably a perfect replacement for Garner, should he decide to leave.
Hackney could also replace Idrissa Gueye
Admittedly, a deal for Hackney would be difficult to do since his head is focused on winning promotion to the Premier League with Middlesbrough.
But with Everton aiming to finish in the European places, The Friedkin Group could offer him a lucrative salary package and the chance to establish himself as a top Premier League talent.
There’s a chance that, if he does come up with Boro, they will be nailed on to go straight back down, and the Toffees could appeal long-term.
Hackney could also be the successor to veteran Idrissa Gueye, whose deal also expires in 2026, with the 36-year-old approaching the end of his career.
Gueyes does have a one-year option to extend his contract, though being able to sign Hackney could mean choosing against triggering that.
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