West Ham Learn James Garner Asking Price – But Nuno Holds Key Bargaining Chip in Everton’s Forgotten Man
West Ham United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken a decisive turn after Everton informed the Hammers of the fee required to sign James Garner. The 23-year-old, long considered one of the Toffees’ brightest technical midfielders, has attracted growing interest across the Premier League, but West Ham are now understood to be among the most serious suitors. While Everton are not actively pushing Garner out of the door, financial pressures and squad reshaping under Sean Dyche have opened the possibility of a sale—if the right price comes in.
The Merseyside club are believed to value Garner at a figure reflecting his age, versatility, and continued development. His ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, a No.8, or even in a wide right role has made him a useful asset. His passing range, press resistance, and tactical intelligence also make him an ideal fit for the kind of midfield control West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui wants to implement.
But while Everton may feel they have set a fair valuation, West Ham hold a potential advantage of their own—Nuno Espírito Santo’s interest in one of Everton’s forgotten figures could unlock meaningful leverage in negotiations.
The player in question, often overlooked in recent seasons, has struggled for minutes under Dyche but remains well-regarded by some Premier League coaches who believe he is being under-used rather than lacking ability. Nuno, having previously admired the player’s skillset during his time at Wolves and in subsequent scouting work, sees him as a tactical puzzle piece who could thrive in a different environment. As a result, West Ham could use this interest to structure a deal that softens Everton’s stance on Garner’s fee—potentially involving a player-plus-cash scenario or staggered payments that align with Everton’s financial needs.
From West Ham’s perspective, adding Garner would represent a symbolic shift. The club has often leaned heavily on physical, hard-running midfielders, but Garner’s composure and progressive qualities align more with the kind of technical midfield core required for Lopetegui’s possession-based rebuild. With long-term doubts around Tomas Souček’s consistency in a more controlled system and the need for depth around Edson Álvarez and Lucas Paquetá, Garner arrives as both an immediate contributor and a long-term project.
Everton, meanwhile, face their own strategic crossroads. Garner was one of the few players last season who blended industry with craft, but his sale could generate the funds needed to strengthen in multiple positions. Dyche’s system does not always maximise Garner’s creative qualities, and his development risks stalling if he remains on the periphery. A move might therefore benefit all parties—if the finances align.
The emerging bargaining power created by Nuno’s interest in Everton’s forgotten man adds a fascinating subplot. West Ham no longer arrive at the table merely as buyers; they come with an offer that solves problems for both clubs. If the two sides reach common ground, it could be one of the more balanced and strategic transfers of the window.
As negotiations progress, one thing is clear: James Garner is edging closer to the centre of one of the most intriguing transfer dynamics of the summer.
