Truth behind James Tarkowski Everton transfer emerges

James Tarkowksi’s free transfer to Everton is expected to be confirmed by the start of next month but just why have the Blues prioritised the centre-back as their first summer signing?

The ECHO understands that a deal for the 29-year-old is done but Goodison Park chiefs are not expected to disclose that officially until after his contract expires at Burnley on June 30 given the delicate situation between the clubs right now.

The Clarets have already announced the player his heading for pastures new this summer though, a decision he took before their relegation from the Premier League. While the twice-capped England international might have been turning out for a team that finished below Frank Lampard’s side in the table last term and ultimately surrendered their top-flight status, Tarkowski’s individual displays still caught the eye.

Even before Tarkowski’s performances are even looked into, his durability in itself comes as a breath of fresh air for Everton. Many consider Yerry Mina to be the best central defender in the Blues squad but the Colombian international failed to take the field in 25 of their Premier League matches last season and his 79 appearances overall for the club constitute less than 52% of the 152 games in the competition since signing in 2018.

In contrast, Tarkowski, who joined Burnley from Brentford on February 1, 2016, has played more than 30 Premier League games a season over the past five campaigns and 35 or more over the last four. He doesn’t just show up, though, as statistics compiled by Comparisonator show. He led the entire Premier League for interceptions in 2021/22 with 9.22 per game, ahead of Southampton’s Jan Bednarek (8.52) and fellow Claret Ben Mee (8.37).

Among Everton’s four main