Everton will only recall Harrison Armstrong on one condition as David Moyes issued loan warning
Everton youngster Harrison Armstrong has enjoyed a bright start to the season so far in his loan spell with Preston North End.
The 18-year-old is back in the Championship for the second season running, after he spent time with Derby County during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
Everton received interest in Armstrong from the Rams once again this summer, but their decision to send the midfielder to Deepdale instead appears to be a smart one.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have had an excellent start to the season, and their Toffees loanee has been a central part of that.
Everton will only recall Harrison Armstrong in a huge injury crisis
Armstrong has impressed away from Everton so far this season, and his parent club will undoubtedly be hoping that he remains a regular in the team as the season unfolds.
The starlet has started in both of his side’s last two league games, and he played an important role in the 2-0 home victory over Charlton Athletic in their last outing.
He is firmly on the verge of earning a first-team place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which could see David Moyes tempted by the idea of recalling him during the January transfer window.
However, ex-Everton scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Armstrong would be better served seeing out the season at Preston, and should only be recalled if a serious injury crisis occurs.
“I think Moyes will let him play out the season where he is,” King said.
“Bringing somebody back from a loan where he’s doing well at that age isn’t always good, and he’ll certainly learn where he is.
“It will have been a big move for him to go to the Championship and become a regular member of that team. He’s proved he can do that, and it will be a very good learning curve for him.
“He’s playing at a decent level, and I think it would be a good platform for him and Everton ahead of next season. The only way that he would come back is if there were massive injury problems.
“He’s a young player with real potential, and playing regularly where he is in a tough league can only be a benefit for him. As well as for Preston, and Everton in the future.”
Harrison Armstrong will be ready for the Premier League next season
Armstrong has a huge future ahead of him at Everton, and it would be no surprise if next season is the year when he finally breaks through into the first team on a regular basis.
He featured heavily for his parent club in pre-season and already got a taste of the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign.
His time with Preston should provide the stepping stone for him to bridge the gap to playing first-team football at Everton.
If Armstrong returns next summer having made clear improvements across the season, then Moyes surely wouldn’t hesitate to throw him into the team.
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