Everton to accelerate double exit after what happened vs Leeds
Everton have not completed much business this month.
Harrison Armstrong was recalled by Everton after starring on loan with Preston in the Championship, due to a lack of midfield cover.
That was the only move to bolster the squad at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while young goalkeeper Harry Tyrer has left after 17 years with Everton, and Will Tamen has joined Tranmere on loan.
With six days left in the transfer window, there is not much time for the Blues to make signings or sanction departures.
Everton duo set to depart after Leeds draw
Reece Welch and Eli Campbell have appeared on Everton’s bench several times recently, but they were not named as substitutes for the 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas has suggested that the academy pair may be lined up for loan deals in the coming days, as the window winds to a close.
Taking to X on 26 January, he said: “Fully expect efforts to find loan opportunities for academy defenders Reece Welch and Eli Campbell, who have both been relied upon by Moyes in recent weeks, to accelerate now.”
Why loan moves make sense for Welch and Campbell
Young players need to be playing regularly; if they are on the first-team bench, then they are likely not featuring in the academy’s match that weekend.
Perhaps more importantly, they need senior football in a lower division to give them vital experience that will help them make the leap to the top-flight.
Look at Armstrong, he spent last season with Derby County and the first half of this one at Deepdale, and he has come back and not looked out of place in the first team.
| Player | Everton appearances |
| Armstrong | 13 |
| Welch | 3 |
| Campbell | 1 |
The same could very well happen for Welch and Campbell if the Blues can find the right club for their development, where they will get regular minutes at a decent level.
Given the talent that they possess, there will surely be a line of clubs trying to convince the Toffees to allow them to take the defenders for the second-half of the campaign.
David Moyes will hope that he does not have any defensive injuries before the end of the winter window that could stop a potential loan exit for the duo, and would harm their development.
The fact that the Merseysiders are pretty much back to full strength, minus Jack Grealish, should be a massive benefit for the two youngsters.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.