Everton to sanction permanent Armstrong exit as Moyes stance mooted – Exclusive
This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.
Harrison Armstrong has established himself as one of Everton’s brightest young prospects over the last few seasons.
The midfielder made three Premier League appearances for the Merseysiders last term, before he then spent the latter stages of the campaign on loan in the Championship with Derby County.
Armstrong has already impressed for Everton in pre-season, having featured in each of the Toffees’ three summer outings so far.
He is a prospect who could seemingly be on the verge of breaking into the first team on a full-time basis, but David Moyes and Co. could be about to make a pivotal decision regarding his future.
Everton to allow permanent Armstrong departure
Everton have been facing plenty of interest in Armstrong this summer, with his former loan club Derby heading up a group of sides who are keen to take him for this term.
The 18-year-old impressed during his 15-game stint with the East Midlands outfit, and their boss John Eustace is keen for him to play a role in his side once again in 2025/26.
Hull City and Blackburn Rovers are also interested in the midfielder, but it is believed that the Toffees may wait until the latter stages of the window in order to properly assess their squad before making a decision.
However, ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Everton should be looking to secure a permanent exit for Armstrong, if they don’t see him getting first-team opportunities this season.
“If he (Armstrong) is not going to be pushed towards the first team, Moyes should sell him,” King said.
“Because, unless he wants to go back to Derby, a fresh start might be able to help him.
“He seemed to do well in the Championship, that’s always a stepping stone to another Premier League move, or coming back to the loan club and hoping he can make an impact there.”
Everton may need Armstrong as midfield cover this season
Everton’s lengthy pursuit of Douglas Luiz remains ongoing, but at the moment, they are not blessed with a wealth of options at the base of their midfield.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner will likely be Moyes’ first-choice partnership to begin the season, unless the Toffees can get more new faces through the door between now and 18 August.
| Player | Premier League Apps |
| Idrissa Gana Gueye | 229 |
| James Garner | 76 |
| Tim Iroegbunam | 30 |
| Harrison Armstrong | 3 |
However, beyond that duo, there is only really the youthful pair of Armstrong and Tim Iroegbunam who would be capable of providing cover in the middle of the park.
As a result, unless Everton can get a few more deals over the line in the latter stages of the window, Armstrong may well be thrown in at the deep end.
He showcased maturity beyond his years during his stint in the Championship last term, and the Everton gem could well be ready to take on that increased responsibility if he ends up being needed.
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