James Garner finally signs new Everton contract

It felt like one of those sagas that might quietly drift toward a disappointing conclusion. For months, the "will-he, won't-he" uncertainty surrounding James Garner’s contract extension has been a nagging subtext to Everton’s season. But today, Everton fans who were desepate for him to stay can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Everton have finally confirmed that the 24-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, effectively ending the speculation and securing one of the club's most valuable assets for his peak years.

Since arriving from Manchester United, Garner has evolved from a "promising youngster" into the engine room of the side. Whether deployed in his preferred central role or asked to do a shift as right-back, his delivery and work rate have made him an indispensable member of Moyes's first-choice squad.

The "wrangling" mentioned in recent reports likely boiled down to the usual modern football chess match: wage structures versus interest from higher up the table. By securing his signature now, Everton haven’t just kept a player; they’ve protected his market value and sent a signal of intent.

Garner isn't a "flash" player. He won't always grab the headlines with 30-yard screamers, but his intelligence on the ball and his set-piece delivery are the marginal gains that keep Everton competitive. In a period where the club has often been criticized for poor recruitment and letting talent slip away, this feels like an important bit of business that the club has finally got over the line.

After putting pen to paper on a new deal, Garner told evertontv: "I'm really excited to commit my future to Everton.

"I'm very grateful for all the support and all the love I've had over the past three-and-a-half years, but it's just the start.

"I've seen the progress we've made recently. Now I want to be part of that progress and get us back to where the Club deserves to be.

"I feel like I'm now a part of the Club and I'm hoping to be a part of it for a long time.

"I've got family members who are all Evertonians, so I know exactly the passion and, like I've just said, what it means to play for such a massive football club like this.

"The aim this season is to get into Europe — that's what us, as a club – and us as players and staff – should be aiming for. Nothing less.

"I think that's very achievable, and that's what we want for the next season and the seasons after that.

"I'm still only 24. I feel like I've been through a lot of experiences. I want to keep improving. I think the obvious one would be goals and assists, which is the one everyone wants to get better at.

"As well as that, I want to keep that overall consistency, and be a player who people can look to as a leader, setting the right examples.

“The manager has really trusted me – and what he asks of me to do on a game day, it suits exactly how I play. He's been really important since he's come in."