Everton's 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a true Premier League resurgence story. The return of David Moyes to a transformed Goodison Park has sparked a remarkable turnaround, transforming a squad once flirting with relegation into European contenders. With a league-best defensive record on the road and sitting just three points off fifth place, the belief at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is palpable.

This renewed ambition was powerfully underscored in January with the contract extension of midfielder James Garner. Amidst significant interest from clubs like Aston Villa, Everton's decisive move to secure his future sent a resonant message through the entire dressing room. It signaled a clear shift: the club is now committed to building a project and retaining its core talent.

Garner, with eight goal involvements this season, has been a key part of Everton's solid midfield. More importantly, his new deal represents a break from a past pattern where top players were often sold. This show of intent is translating directly to results on the pitch; a recent run of nine points from five games has outperformed rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea, proving the squad is fully buying into the project.

For the first time since the 2017-18 season, a return to European football is a tangible goal. Securing a player of Garner's caliber is a crucial step in that journey, proving Everton's ambition isn't just talk—it's a foundation for the future they are actively building.