Everton have completed the signing of James Garner from Manchester United in a deal that could rise to £15.5million.
The Toffees are set to pay an initial £9million for the midfielder, with another £6.5million in performance-related add-ons. The Red Devils have not inserted a buy-back clause in the deal, rather they will receive a percentage of any future sale.
The 21-year-old has been in high demand all summer, with Frank Lampard’s side beating Southampton, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest - where Garner spent last season on loan in the Championship - to a deal. And the reaction of several United fans on social media suggests Garner’s arrival is another quality piece of business by Lampard and Kevin Thelwell this summer.
READ MORE: James Garner deal confirmed by Everton as second deadline day deal
The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge compared Garner’s sale to that of Morgan Gibbs-White to Forest, tweeting: “Gibbs-White played in the Championship last year and goes for 25mil plus 17 in add ons. United ready to sell Garner for 14 mil......disgusting deal that isn't getting called out enough. Shouldn't even be sold”
@_nseobong said: “Garner should be going out on loan not a permanent sale. The boy is the potential to be a great defensive midfielder. I won’t be surprised if we’ll be looking to buy him from Everton in 2025 for 70m. They better insert a buy- back clause in his contract.”
@jaydalyutd tweeted: “James Garner a very talented midfielder, went from consistently pulling up trees in the Championship to being sold to Everton £9m plus add ons. Meanwhile #Mcsideways remains. Stealing a wage and getting yellow cards! Makes perfect sense”
@footballqueen said: “Selling James Garner for 9m (and WITHOUT a buy-back clause?!) is f*****g criminal”
The widespread frustration towards Manchester United from their fans suggests Everton are getting a great deal, and Garner’s performances for Forest last season reinforce the belief that the young midfielder will become a quality top-flight player.
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