Everton have completed the signing of defender James Tarkowski on a free transfer. The 29-year-old centre back didn’t sign an extension to his contract at Burnley, which expired at the end of the 21/22 season, and leaves the Clarets after six years at Turf Moor. Tarkowski has signed a four-year contract at Everton that will keep him at the club till the summer of 2026.
Many Premier League clubs had evinced interest in signing the defender, but Tarkowski chose the Toffees after talks with their current boss Frank Lampard. Everton, who just about escaped relegation, shipped in 66 goals last season, while Tarkowski’s Burnley, who dropped down to the Championship, let in only 53 by comparison.
The 29-year-old is Everton’s first signing of the summer window, and his arrival comes barely 24 hours after the club agreed to sell star striker Richarlison to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Tarkowski has also been capped by the England national team during his stint at Burnley- his last cap however came back in 2018. He had spells at Oldham and Brentford before joining the Clarets in February 2016.
The defender made 219 appearances across all competitions for Burnley during his stint at Turf Moor, and was an ever-present in their backline in the Premier League.
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