According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Everton midfielder James Garner is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the coming months, and they have been tracking the 25-year-old former Manchester United midfielder’s progress at the Merseyside club.
James Garner has established himself as one of the most dependable performers in the Premier League since joining Everton from Manchester United in a deal worth £15 million in September 2022. While the Birkenhead native could not establish a foothold at Old Trafford despite spending a decade with Manchester United, he has come into his own at Everton.
The Englishman has become an asset and a utility man for the Merseyside club due to his reliability and ability to play as a midfielder and a full-back, thus giving his managers the convenience of shuffling setups without making any substitutions. The 25-year-old midfielder’s exploits have helped him break into his national side, and he impressed Thomas Tuchel in his debut, compelling him to compare the player to Federico Valverde.
Meanwhile, 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. The English midfielder’s progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, with Real Madrid among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Real Madrid’s interest in James Garner is understandable. The Merengues are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder heading into the summer transfer window, as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have left a gaping hole in their midfield unit since departing from the Santiago Bernabeu in successive seasons.
While Garner will not be a like-for-like replacement for either player, his improved creative numbers and passing numbers (completion rate of 88% in the Premier League this season) make him an appealing target for Real Madrid. The emerging comparisons with Federico Valverde add to the allure, as another player like the Real Madrid vice-captain will give the manager more tactical flexibility in the middle of the park.
However, the Spanish giants are only monitoring the 25-year-old Englishman’s progress at Everton, and it is unclear if they are ready to ramp up their efforts to secure his services. If Garner becomes a serious target for Real Madrid, Everton’s asking price should be high, considering he has recently signed a new contract with the Merseyside club. Recent reports have suggested a valuation of £50-55 million.
