Michael Kenrick 08/10/2025 10comments  |  Jump to last

James Tarkowski, who is standing in as Everton captain when Seamus Coleman does not start, has signed a 2-year contract extension with Everton that runs through the end of June 2028.

Tarkowski signed a 4-year contract with the Blues when he first joined the club on a free transfer in 2022 and ths was due to expire at the end of the current season. 

By the end of his first season with Everton 2022-23, one fact said everything about James Tarkowski: he was the only player out of the entire Premier League to play every minute of every game -- and in the 2023-24 season, he almost repeated the remarkable feat.

Having established an impressive partnership with young Jarrad Branthwaite that was a big reason behind the team amassing enough points to overcome two points deductions and stay in the Premier League with room to spare; Tarkowski missed just a few minutes of one match when forced off under the Premier League's concussion protocols.

Tarkowski has fantastic timing, especially for making crucial blocks and had a tremendous run in the side when he was injury-free. He seems to be over those problems now and is ever-present this season after missing the last 5 games of the previous campaign with a hamstring injury. 

"I'm super excited and proud to be an Everton player and to continue this journey," Tarkowski told EvertonTV.

"It's been a crazy few years with some big lows and some massive highs. We've managed to get through those tough times and hopefully now we're on to more positive and exciting times ahead.

"I think the intention has been set out from the start of this season.

“I’ve loved every minute so far of working under the manager [David Moyes]. He has made it clear where we're going with this club. The results and performances have really improved in his time here and it does seem to be going in one direction.

"The reason I've signed is because I want to be a part of that. Now it's up to us as players to get on board and take us in that direction."

 

Reader Comments (10)

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David Bromwell
1 Posted 08/10/2025 at 13:46:40
Good news, I think.

Tarkowski has been a good player for us and a very good leader on the pitch. Better that this has been sorted now, rather than left until the end of the season.

I am conscious that James is nearing the end of his career, his dedication and fitness coming back from a very nasty hamstring injury has been quite remarkable.

I think it might also make sense to look at Michael Keane's contract situation which is also scheduled to end at the end of the season, remembering that he is currently in fine form and generally playing better than his Captain.

Sam Hoare
2 Posted 08/10/2025 at 14:02:04
I'm not sure Tarkowski is the player to lead us forward towards the European spots over the next few years but he is a solid professional, a good leader and has been hugely influential in keeping Everton in the Premier League over the last few years.

I hope that next season at the latest we will see Branthwaite and O'Brien as a more mobile centre-back pairing and that Tarkowski will be needed more as a reliable squad player who will maintain high standards on and off the pitch. Hopefully the wages agreed will reflect his contribution to the club but also the diminishing reliance on him moving forwards.

Paul Hewitt
3 Posted 08/10/2025 at 14:18:51
When all centre-backs are fit, Tarkowski is 4th choice.

Strange decision; I'd have given him 1 year at most.

Andrew Merrick
4 Posted 08/10/2025 at 14:25:58
If this is viewed as consolidation to put off buying another centre-back next year, it will hopefully leave funds free for other positions, notably wing-backs and striker.

Tarkowski has been a remarkable signing, and he is well respected... look at Keane's value to us this season.

Christy Ring
5 Posted 08/10/2025 at 14:44:41
Came to us on a free, a great servant, and in my opinion deserved a new contract. He always gives 100%, very seldom injured, and even played through the pain barrier.

A leader when we really needed him during tough times. He'll probably be 3rd choice next season, and with Keane probably leaving, a good decision.

Colin Malone
6 Posted 08/10/2025 at 14:49:17
Great news. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. A true, tough, natural leader. Leaders like Tarky make a massive difference to the team. Solid defender. Solid bloke.
Bobby Mallon
7 Posted 08/10/2025 at 15:07:41
Paul Hewitt. 4th choice really. I think you got up drunk this morning 4th choice 😂
Conor McCourt
8 Posted 08/10/2025 at 15:11:26
Great news. Great captain, Great leader and Branthwaite always plays better beside him as they compliment each other so well.

Still our best pairing as things currently stand and it wouldn't surprise me if he keeps challenging Jake for a starting berth over the next couple of seasons

Well deserved for Tarks

Paul Hewitt
9 Posted 08/10/2025 at 15:40:18
Bobby@7. I wouldn't rate him over Branthwaite or O'Brien. Keane has been much better than him this season. So yes 4th choice.
Kevin Molloy
10 Posted 08/10/2025 at 15:48:06
he's been a terrific signing, ironically he's in the worst form since he got here. Strange time to give him two and a half years.

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