Everton rejected a late approach from Chelsea for James Garner during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea were looking for another midfielder as Enzo Fernández closed in on his £125m move to Manchester City and turned their attention to one of David Moyes‘ most important players.
The Bobble reported that Chelsea valued Garner at £65m, while talkSPORT has subsequently claimed the London club were prepared to pay that amount. Everton refused to sell and the midfielder was also happy to stay on Merseyside.
Everton stood firm over Garner
Garner was named both Everton’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season for 2025/26 following the best campaign of his career.
His performances also earned him senior England recognition, and the 25-year-old made his debut against Uruguay in March.
Crucially, Garner signed a new four-and-a-half-year Everton contract in January, putting the club in a strong position when Chelsea came calling.
The precise nature of the £65m figure has been reported differently. The Bobble’s original claim was that Chelsea valued Garner at £65m, while talkSPORT says its sources have confirmed Chelsea were willing to pay that amount.
What isn’t in dispute across those reports is Everton’s response: they weren’t prepared to sell.
Given Iliman Ndiaye had already left for Manchester City, and a proposed move for Harrison Armstrong had also been discussed during the closing days of the window, losing Garner would have further depleted Moyes’ squad.
There is plenty for Evertonians to question about the club’s business this summer.
Keeping Garner, though, looks like one decision they got right.
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