Manchester United have made a surprising decision regarding youngster James Garner. According John Percy of the Telegraph, he could leave Old Trafford this summer either on loan or, unexpectedly, on a permanent contract.
The move will come as a shock to many United fans, with Garner seen as having a bright future at Manchester. The Englishman was due to return to Carrington this summer to be tried by new manager Erik ten Hag, with a real possibility he could stay and make the first team. That could have potentially changed, however, there is now a chance he could join Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal this summer.
Last Word on Football understands that Forest are particularly keen on Garner, but it can be difficult for both sides to agree on a player assessment. That could hinge on the Red Devils’ summer moves into midfield, with all signs that this deal is dragging on until late in the transfer window. Premier League loan rules make this decision particularly complicated, with Forest also pursuing a move for United‘s Dean Henderson.
James Garner could join Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer
Success on loan has sparked excitement for his future
James Garner has enjoyed great success on loan since joining Nottingham Forest last year.
The youngster moved there in January 2021 after struggling under several managers with Watford, and made an immediate impact. He quickly became a mainstay in the center of their midfield and, as such, returned for a second spell at the club in the 2021/22 campaign.
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It would be a very successful season for Forest. They recently won promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs and as a result they gained new financial power.
James Garner v Huddersfield:
100% ground duels won (5/5)
100% tackles won (4/4)
100% successful dribbles
88% pass accuracy
61 keys in total
5 balls recovered
3/4 long passes completed
3 chances created
1 capital C createdPlayed a key role in victory and promotion. 🔴👏 pic.twitter.com/CYSVKCXLpM
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 29, 2022
Being in the English top flight now not only means the Red Devils would consider Forest a suitable destination for Garner on loan for the 2022/23 campaign, but also that they could potentially afford a permanent move for the 21-year-old. It would be fine if they could pull it off as it’s highly likely United will like him a lot, but according to Jon Percy’s report, it’s certainly a possibility as he weighs his future.
