Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sun 29 March 2026 20:10, UK

Harrison Armstrong has not started in Everton‘s last four Premier League matches.

The midfielder has been snubbed by David Moyes, featuring for just 22 minutes off the substitutes’ bench in the clashes with Newcastle and Arsenal.

He had initially started three of his first four games after returning to the Hill Dickinson Stadium from his loan at Preston.

Everton rate Armstrong very highly, but Moyes seems to have a settled midfield trio of Idrissa Gueye, James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the moment.

What is Armstrong’s contract situation at Everton?

Armstrong joined Everton at the age of five, having grown up in the West Derby area of Liverpool.

He progressed through the youth ranks, before making his senior debut in a 4-0 away loss against Tottenham in August 2024.

He signed a new contract with the Blues before joining Derby County on loan in February 2025, which will keep him on Merseyside until 2028 at the earliest.

Can Everton keep Armstrong?

Everton can keep Armstrong around for longer than that, without even offering him a new deal on better terms.

They have the option to extend the deal for another year, which could keep him in L4 until 2029, to the delight of all Evertonians.

If he progresses as well as he has been recently, it will be no surprise if he manages to convince the Toffees to do just that.

What has Moyes said about Armstrong?

Moyes has made no secret of how much that he rates the young midfielder, but his original plan was to send him back to the Championship outfit on loan.

Speaking in January 2026, the Scotsman said: “The truth is that I would like him to go back to Preston and for them to get promoted.

“I’ve watched him quite regular and he’s been doing a good job. If things allow me, then I will certainly send him back because I think it’s really good for his education and where he is at.

“We need him at the moment. If he does well, then we will keep hold of him.”

What is next for Everton and Armstrong?

Armstrong has shown that he can be relied upon when needed, but the question for Moyes is whether he needs another loan or not.

If the manager decides that he does, then he may look to send him to one of the promoted sides next season, so he can get a full campaign of Premier League football under his belt.

One thing is for sure, he can’t keep warming the bench, as that does not do his development any good at this point of his career.

The 19-year-old needs to be playing week in, week out, to get to the level required to become the star that many believe he can become.