Not just James Garner, David Moyes must hand new contract to ‘absolutely brilliant’ Everton star
Time is running out for Everton to resolve James Garner’s contract issue, and he isn’t the only one currently heading for the Hill Dickinson Stadium exit door.
Garner sees his Everton contract expire in June 2026, but it would be a travesty for the 24-year-old to leave on a free transfer after starring for the Toffees.
David Moyes is ‘desperate’ to give Garner a new deal, as his incredible midfield performances continued in Everton’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
But with several players impressing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025/26, the Englishman isn’t the only player whose contract needs renewing.
Most Premier League goals scored by defenders since Gabriel joined Arsenal in 2020:
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 30, 2025
◉ 19 – Gabriel Magalhães
◎ 13 – Michael Keane
◎ 12 – Virgil van Dijk
◎ 12 – Fabian Schär
◎ 12 – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Unstoppable from set-pieces. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/oQ4wSgH6qi
Everton must hand new contract to Michael Keane
In a campaign where Everton are challenging for Europe, Michael Keane has been immense in the heart of their defence alongside James Tarkowski.
The 32-year-old has impressed following Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury in August, with the former Burnley man becoming a key figure in the dressing room.
Everton have one of the Premier League’s best defences, and Keane take some of the credit for that after helping his side keep six clean sheets on the 17 occasions he’s featured.
Whether he’s making last-ditch tackles, winning aerial duels or proving to be a nuisance in the opposition box, the Englishman has risen to the occasion and deserves to be rewarded.
| Michael Keane Premier League 2025/26 stats |
| 17 appearances |
| 2 goals |
| 86% accurate passes |
| 6 clean sheets |
| 7.5 clearances per game |
| 2.8 ball recoveries per game |
Keane only signed a one-year contract extension in July, and whilst he turns 33 later this month, surely his performances warrant another new deal.
In October 2024, Jeff Stelling hailed Keane as ‘absolutely brilliant’ after his incredible strike against Ipswich Town, and those words perfectly describe his performances this term.
Who else sees their Everton contract expire in 2026
Garner and Keane aren’t the only two Everton players whose contracts expire this year, with a few others fighting for an extension.
Of course, Jack Grealish will leave Merseyside once his loan comes to an end, but they do have an option to purchase the Manchester City winger for £50million.
Meanwhile, left-back Vitalii Mykolenko could also leave Everton with his current deal expiring in June, whereas midfield stalwart Idrissa Gueye has an option to extend his contract by a year.
Moyes will be keen to resolve the above problems as soon as possible, with a focus on investing into his squad this month.
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