Expert: Everton to delay contract talks with 'fantastic' star after new concerns
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: IMAGO
Callum O'Connell
Mon 8 September 2025 16:08, UK
Everton star James Tarkowski could miss out on signing a new contract at Everton after new concerns emerged surrounding his long-term future.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that David Moyes is not planning to hand the 32-year-old a new deal “any time soon”.
Having entered the final year of his deal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, assessments are set to be made about his level of performance over the course of the season.
Following Tarkowki’s season-ending injury last term, he has returned to Moyes’ starting XI for all four of their games so far this season, despite some ongoing doubts.
Everton plan to open contract talks with Jordan Pickford in the near future, but Tarkowski’s situation is more complicated, and discussions over a new deal will be delayed.
Credit: Imago
Despite their strong start to the season, Tarkowski has struggled so far for Everton with mistakes made during the 2-0 win against Brighton and 1-0 defeat to Leeds.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has revealed the Toffees are looking for signs that the defender might start “slowing down”.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
“Tarkowski has been tremendously important to Everton over the last few years,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s done a fantastic job for them first under Sean Dyche and now under David Moyes, but he isn’t getting any younger, he’s into his 30s and that’s the issue they’re facing now.
“If there are signs that he starts to slow down and lose his legs a bit, that would be a huge concern for Everton with regard to his future.
Credit: Imago
“He can’t really afford to lose the physical parts of his game because that’s where he thrives.
If all of a sudden he starts getting beaten to the ball all the time, in the air and on the floor, it’s an issue.
“Everton are aware that every player comes to their sell-by date eventually, so they have to take measures to be prepared for when that might happen.“
A worrying assessment from the former Manchester United scout, who believes Everton won’t rush into a decision over the 32-year-old’s future.
As a result of their ongoing concerns about his age, Everton are set to wait until closer to the end of the season before discussing terms over a new contract.
This comes after Alan Nixon claimed via his Patreon on 18 May that Tarkowski is looking to sign an extension and is keen to continue on Merseyside.
However, the Toffees want to ensure he is not losing his physical edge which has made him such an important player in recent years, particularly following Tarkowksi’s mistakes against Leeds United.
“If they go and give him a new contract now, and then in six months time he hits a wall, then they’ll have made a mistake which could cost them financially,” Brown explained.
“It’s something they’ll monitor through the season, but they have to think it’s a possibility.
“With his contract running down, I expect it’s a decision they’ll make towards the end of the season rather than any time soon.”
Committing to a new contract amid doubts surrounding his age would be a risky financial move for Everton, who are keen to avoid putting their security at risk.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.