James Tarkowski signs new Everton deal until 2028

The centre-back commits his future to the Toffees after establishing himself as a key figure at Goodison Park.

Everton defender James Tarkowski has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club, keeping him at Goodison Park until 2028. His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season.

The 31-year-old centre-back joined the Toffees on a free transfer from Burnley in the summer of 2022 and has since become a pivotal part of the side. An ever-present again this season, Tarkowski has helped David Moyes’ team make a strong start to the campaign, with Everton currently sitting eighth in the Premier League following their 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Tarkowski, who netted a memorable equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, expressed his delight after committing his long-term future to the club.

“I'm super excited and proud to be an Everton player and to continue this journey,” he 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’ve loved every minute so far of working under the manager. 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.”

Connection with the supporters

Tarkowski, who often captains the side in the absence of Seamus Coleman, also reflected on his strong bond with the Everton fanbase.

“They're proud, honest people. You know what they're feeling and what they're thinking straight away. That's probably the kind of person I am myself.
I've taken to this club really well and I've really enjoyed my time here, even though it has been turbulent at times.
I've been lucky enough to lead this team out a few times now and every time I do it, it makes me massively proud. Everyone knows Seamus is the true leader of this group but I'm here to support him and it makes me very proud every time I get to put that armband on.”

A record of reliability

The experienced defender made 111 consecutive Premier League starts — just two short of Wayne Bridge’s record for an outfield player — before a hamstring injury sidelined him in April.

“The injury I got at the end of last season was the first real injury I've had in a very, very long time,” Tarkowski explained.
“That took a lot of hard work to get back from, but yes, I want to be reliable and I pride myself on that. I want to be able to be relied upon all of the time.
There have been times when I've had to play through injuries, but most lads do that. I want to put another big run of games together now.
I'm experienced and I know my own game well. I know how to play and how to get the best out of myself.
And then I also want to be a leader, not just on a matchday, but also in and around the training ground – guiding people, helping people and just helping this team get better.”

Tarkowski’s leadership and consistency have made him one of Everton’s most dependable figures since his arrival, and his new deal provides further stability as the club looks to build on a promising start to the season.