Gareth Barry aimed a playful dig at Manchester United as he questioned why James Garner would want to leave Everton.
The former Blues and England midfielder was full of praise for Garner as he argued the 24-year-old should be in contention for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. After earning the man of the match accolade in his senior debut against Uruguay last week, Garner certainly enhanced his chances, Barry said.
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But when it comes to life beyond the summer the veteran suggested Garner – understood to have featured in conversations as Manchester United look to rebuild their midfield in the summer – might be better off where he is.
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In talking about Garner’s stunning breakthrough campaign at Everton, Barry said his development may be down to feeling settled on Merseyside. He is now in his fourth season in Royal Blue after spending the early years of his professional career bouncing between loan spells with Watford and Nottingham Forest after emerging through Man Utd’s academy.
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Likening Garner, who has grown to become one of David Moyes’ key players in a resurgent Everton team pushing for Europe, to Arsenal and England star Declan Rice, Barry said: “James Garner has had a great season. I’ve watched him a couple of times live this year and he affects the game all over the pitch. He’s full of energy.
“When you look at Declan Rice at his best, James Garner’s skill set and qualities are similar in the way he plays. He’s grown and grown in confidence, which David Moyes has built into him. He’s got a lot more responsibility at Everton.
“I think he’s probably never really been settled in his career, and this is the first time. I think with the England squad now being up to 26 players, he’s going to have a real shout.”
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Barry, who made more than 150 appearances for the Blues, acknowledged Garner would have to fight off a lot of “quality” to make the World Cup, but said his displays in the past fortnight – he also came off the bench against Japan – would have left a positive impression.
And on reports of interest in Garner in the summer – something Everton are well-placed to deal with after he signed a new deal in January – Barry said he would be “surprised” if Garner would want to move away from a club where he is progressing so well.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football odds, the former Man City star said: “Could Man Utd come back in for him? I’d be surprised if James Garner would want to leave Everton at the moment. I think he’s probably enjoying that settled run and a bit more game time. So yeah, I’d be surprised if that one happens. But yeah, we’ve seen it before at Man Utd. Wasting money and spending more to get them back. Wouldn’t be the first, would it?”