James Tarkowski outlines Everton target and transfer reasons as signing is finally made official

James Tarkowski has outlined his ambitious plans with Everton, having finally being unveiled as the Toffees’ first piece of transfer business of the summer.

Frank Lampard’s side sailed painfully close to the relegation wind last season, the Toffees eventually escaping a week before the season finale with a dramatic home win over Crystal Palace. That left Leeds and Burnley to scrap it out for the final place, with Tarkowski’s Clarets ultimately falling just short.

However, the two-times capped England defender never looked likely to stay regardless of what division Burnley found themselves in. With his deal expiring on June 30, Tarkowski was a man in demand with Newcastle and West Ham also among his admirers.

But it was Everton who ultimately pulled clear, with Lampard’s side reportedly reaching an agreement with the defender a few weeks back. Now that move has been made official, with the player signing a contract until summer 2026.

Speaking on Everton’s official website, Tarkowski insists he is joining Everton to ‘try and win things’. The 29-year-old has also cited Lampard and the club’s fervent fanbase as reasons for his signing.

“I’m excited to have joined Everton. It’s a massive club. I’m really looking forward to the years ahead and I’m thankful for the opportunity that I’ve been given,” Tarkowski said.

“Speaking to the manager, it was very important to see what he wants from his players and his team, what he saw in me and why he wanted to sign me. Speaking to [Director of Football] Kevin Thelwell was also a factor. They both spoke about the ambition here which was really important for me.

“I’m an ambitious person, I want to achieve, I want to win things and I’ve come here to be successful.

James Tarkowski on what he will bring to Everton

“And then there are the Everton fans. The support they gave the team last season was incredible. You saw just how big the fanbase is. Despite a difficult season, Everton fans got behind their team more than ever.

“I think they are a massive factor about this club. Hopefully successful times are ahead and, with the talent we have in the squad, we can give the fans something they really enjoy.”

Despite his relegation with Burnley, no one could accuse James Tarkowski of not giving his all.

Indeed, he ranked highest for clearances and shots blocked in the Premier League in 2021/22.

Assessing what Lampard sees in him, Tarkowski added: “I think the manager recognises my strengths. He sees how I could fit into his system and hopefully improve the team.

“He also saw my character and leadership skills – that what I can bring to a group will be good and positive.

“First and foremost, I’m a defender. That part of my game is something I’ve really worked on the past few years to become the best defender possible.

“I want to bring that to the team, but I also feel like I’m a good football player. Also, I can move the ball well, I can pass, I can attack the ball in the other box. I feel like I’ve got myself in a good place to be successful at a club like Everton.”

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has offered a telling update on the future of Everton-linked former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard.