Everton questions emerge over Harrison Armstrong after Hayden Hackney transfer reveal
Everton fans are keeping a keen eye on the progress of youngster Harrison Armstrong.
The midfielder was recalled from a loan spell at Preston North End back in January, before emerging as part of the first team picture under David Moyes.
Armstrong would make 13 top-flight appearances this season, starting five in a row between January and February.
Then, the 19-year-old would seemingly disappear for the remainder of the season, prompting frustration from the fanbase.
With Everton in pole position to land Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, supporters will hope that this is not the end for Armstrong.
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Hayden Hackney signing could bring domino effect to Everton midfield
Named as the Championship Player of the Season, Hackney proved incredible as Boro reached the play-off final.
Following the 1-0 defeat to Hull at Wembley, he has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs, with The Athletic revealing this week that Everton are in pole position to land Hackney’s signature.
A midfielder looking to get on the ball and make things happen, Hackney will come in and be in with an instant chance of first-team football – likely the biggest aspect of his club choice.
This could cause a ripple in the Everton midfield, meaning that Armstrong’s chances would be limited even further, with the pair being quite similar stylistically.
Fans may question whether the transfer is worth it, given that Blues supporters are so desperate to see another of their own succeed at the club, rather than having to fork out for someone who is not necessarily needed.
How much time will David Moyes be given as Everton frustrations pile up?
Already on thin ice heading into the summer, it feels like the Toffees fanbase could turn at any moment, with Moyes proving incredibly stubborn towards the back end of the campaign.
There were signs of genuine progress throughout the term, but these moments were few and far between.
At the same time, Moyes was reluctant to make use of Armstrong, alongside Merlin Rohl and more, despite his side struggling on the pitch in the run-in.
Heading into next season, fans want a project to get behind – making use of the academy graduates would be a great start.
Armstrong impressed in his opening weeks after the return, and it would be bitterly disappointing to see him fall to the wayside should Hackney join this summer.
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