Everton have formally agreed to release midfielder James Garner following his decision to join Aston Villa in a deal worth….

BREAKING: Everton Agree James Garner Exit as Aston Villa Seal €50.6M Deal
Everton have formally agreed to release midfielder James Garner following his decision to join Aston Villa in a deal worth €40.6 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
The agreement was finalized just minutes ago, with Garner putting pen to paper on a five-year contract after swiftly completing formalities. The move brings an end to his time at Everton, where he had grown into one of the club’s most reliable midfield figures.

The transfer comes immediately after the conclusion of the latest international break, with attention now turning back to domestic football across Europe. Garner’s stock rose significantly during the break after earning his senior debut under Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel, who named a larger-than-usual squad to assess emerging talents, handed Garner an opportunity against Uruguay — and the Everton midfielder seized it. His composed display in midfield drew widespread praise, with Tuchel making a striking comparison to Federico Valverde, highlighting Garner’s energy, tactical awareness, and ability to influence both ends of the pitch.

Villa’s swift action to secure Garner underscores their ambition to strengthen ahead of a crucial phase of the season. The Midlands club have been closely monitoring his development and moved decisively once the opportunity arose.
Garner is expected to slot into Villa’s midfield setup immediately, bringing dynamism and versatility to the squad. His arrival could prove pivotal as Villa push for European qualification and look to build long-term stability.

For Everton, the departure represents a significant loss. Garner had become a key figure in the squad, admired for his work rate and consistency. His exit will leave a gap that the club must now address, either through internal options or the transfer market.
Despite the setback, sources suggest Everton accepted the deal due to its financial value and the player’s desire to pursue a new challenge.

At just 23, Garner’s career trajectory continues upward. From impressing at club level to earning international recognition, his move to Aston Villa marks the next step in what is shaping up to be a promising career.
With momentum firmly on his side, all eyes will now be on how quickly he can adapt — and whether he can live up to the lofty comparisons already being made.