Manchester United is reportedly exploring the possibility of re-signing midfielder James Garner from Everton, just three years after selling him for approximately £9 million. The club’s management is keen to bolster their midfield options, particularly as manager Ruben Amorim faces challenges due to injuries and uncertainty regarding current players.
The situation in the midfield has become critical, especially with the anticipated departure of key player Casemiro at the end of the season. Additionally, the futures of young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte remain unclear, further complicating United’s options. Recent injuries to both Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have left the team in a precarious position. In fact, defender Lisandro Martinez was forced to step into a midfield role during a challenging 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
United has previously been linked with various midfield targets, including Carlos Baleba from Brighton, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart. However, the club opted to prioritize attacking players during the summer transfer window, resulting in a spending spree of £218 million that focused on securing three new forwards.
According to the Daily Mail, Garner has emerged as a viable option for the January transfer window. His contract with Everton is set to expire in the summer, making him an attractive and cost-effective target for United. Garner, who joined United as an Under-8 player in 2009, made his first-team debut in 2018 and has since accumulated seven appearances before embarking on loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest. Since joining Everton in 2022, Garner has played in 103 matches, scoring three goals. Notably, he played the full 90 minutes in Everton’s recent 1-0 victory over his former club.
Everton is also said to be keen on securing Garner’s future by offering him a new contract before the January window opens. Meanwhile, there may be potential outgoings at Old Trafford. Mainoo has been linked with a move to Napoli, and Joshua Zirkzee is also tipped to leave the club. Amorim has emphasized that no player will exit until they can secure adequate reinforcements, stating, “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution. We are short. Even with the full squad, we are short for something that can happen.”
As Manchester United navigates a challenging period, the prospect of bringing back a familiar face like Garner could provide much-needed stability and depth to their midfield as they aim to address their ongoing struggles.
