Top Chelsea target makes Man Utd transfer admission

25 Sept 2026 10:01 BST |
2 min read

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Everton midfielder James Garner has confirmed that he doesn’t regret his decision to leave Manchester United in order to join the Toffees back in 2022.

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The 25-year-old, who could make his competitive debut for England during their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia, has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the past 12 months and it’s understood that a host of top clubs are tracking his progress.

Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Garner over the summer, with rumours suggesting they launched a late approach on Deadline Day, and the Blues could rekindle their interest in his services next year amid their pursuit of a replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Meanwhile, Manchester United have also been tipped to bring him back to Old Trafford.

Garner spent nine years in Man Utd’s academy before completing a €10.4 million move to Everton in 2022, having excelled during an 18-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest, but he made just seven first-team appearances for the Red Devils before his permanent departure.

The England star was close to being included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup this summer, following an excellent campaign at Everton, and he will look to cement his place as a Three Lions regular over the coming months, amid competition from the likes of Alex Scott and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

James Garner transfer admission

“I think it was the perfect thing for me to do,” Garner admitted (via The Standard) when asked about his decision to leave United for Everton ahead of England’s clash against World Cup winners Spain on Saturday.

“I’ve never been shy of going into a more uncomfortable place. I went on loan three times, I went to Watford and then twice to Nottingham Forest, so I moved early and moved down to London and to Nottingham, so I wasn’t worried about moving at all, changing scenery or anything like that.

“For me, it was just about playing games and Everton was the perfect choice at that point. I didn’t just want to fizzle into the background and just sit on the bench and stuff like that, so I wanted to go into a team where I felt like I had a chance to fight for my position and that’s what I have done in the past three or four years.”

Asked if he has any regrets about the transfer, Garner added: “No, not really. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. When I left they signed three or four midfielders, world-class ones.

“Had I stayed, I wouldn’t have been where I am today, so I am more than happy that I left.”