In the world of football, the regret of sellin a talented player is a common theme that
James Garner joined Everton in 2022 for a reported fee of around £15m from Manchester United, with high hopes for his future at Goodison Park. Initially, Garner struggled to find his footing in the Premier League, making just a handful of appearances during his first season. However, his potential was clear to anyone who saw him play: an industrious midfielder with excellent vision, a keen sense of positioning, and an ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Unfortunately for Garner, Everton’s midfield was congested, and manager Frank Lampard’s system didn’t quite accommodate his talents.
It was in the summer of 2023 that Everton made the decision to let Garner go, selling him to newly-promoted Leicester City for a reported £7m, a substantial loss on their initial investment. It’s a decision that, in hindsight, seems shortsighted given Garner’s subsequent performances in the Championship. At Leicester, he quickly became an integral part of the team and demonstrated his true potential. Garner’s passing accuracy, leadership, and composure under pressure have made him one of the best midfielders in the EFL, with many pundits praising his all-around game.
Garner’s ability to dictate the tempo of a match and contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of play has been a revelation in the Championship. His intelligence on the ball and knack for arriving in the right places at the right time have made him one of Leicester’s most valuable assets. As Leicester aim to bounce back to the Premier League, Garner’s form has been a driving force behind their ambitions. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with many fans and critics alike already tipping him for a Premier League return, and some even suggesting that top-flight clubs may come calling for him in the near future.
For Everton, the sale of Garner now feels like a missed opportunity. The club has been struggling in recent seasons, with a lack of creativity and drive in the midfield often cited as a key reason for their struggles. The Toffees have found themselves in relegation battles, and the absence of a player with Garner’s attributes has been glaring. While they’ve invested in other midfield options, none of them have yet shown the same level of consistency or ability to influence games in the way Garner has done at Leicester.
The decision to sell Garner also raises questions about Everton’s long-term strategy. The club has consistently failed to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and letting go of a young player with the potential to develop into a key figure seems like a missed opportunity for a club in need of a rebuild. In the Championship, Garner is flourishing, but at Everton, he might have been the kind of player to help steer the team to better fortunes, offering stability and flair in a midfield that has often lacked both.
Everton’s regret over the sale of James Garner will likely grow with each passing week as the midfielder continues to impress at Leicester. His rapid rise in the Championship proves that the Toffees let a real talent slip through their fingers, and it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to find a replacement capable of matching his impact. For now, though, it’s clear that selling Garner was a decision they may very well come to regret.
