Pundit thrilled by £17m Everton transformation amid James Garner claim
Noel Whelan has hailed Everton for their “really good business” after transforming their midfield with the signings of James Garner and Idrissa Gueye.
The former Leeds striker was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of Gueye’s debut in the 0-0 derby draw against Liverpool on Saturday (3 September).
Garner, 21, joined Everton on transfer deadline day (1 September) for a reported fee in the region of £15million.
Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Gueye, 32, rejoined the Toffees earlier that day in a reported £2million deal.
Everton were in dire need of midfield reinforcements after losing Donny van de Beek, Fabian Delph, and Gylfi Sigurdsson at the end of a 2021-22 campaign which saw the Merseysiders narrowly avoid relegation.
Whelan backed Garner to make the “next progression” in his fledgling career.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Everton have done really good business there.
“They’ve got two midfielders – one who has bags of experience and already knows the club.
“Then there’s Garner, who was a massive part of Nottingham Forest’s success last season – they know what they’re going to get from him.
“He can now make that next progression in his career, which is regular Premier League football. It’s a big opportunity.
“Everton didn’t waste any time getting him in after he became available.”
Everton sit 16th in the Premier League table and are yet to taste victory in the new campaign.
The Toffees face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (11 September).
In other news, ex-Fifa official claims Everton may face FA charge as two “lengthy bans” on the cards.