Harrison Armstrong sends message as another Everton exit officially announced

Harrison Armstrong has issued a message as Everton academy star Coby Ebere's exit has been confirmed.

The academy prospect is set to end his stay at Finch Farm, having agreed a three-year deal with Serbian side FK Cukaricki.

Ebere joins the latest round of academy exits, with Isaac Heath's departure announced within the last week as well. Heath has made the switch to Cambridge United.

Ebere, unlike Armstrong, has never featured for the Everton men's squad, but has been named on the bench on one occasion.

That came in the 2024-2025 season as he was an unused substitute in Everton's 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace.

Now, at 20 years old and failing to get his chance, he has sought to gain first-team experience elsewhere.

What message has Harrison Armstrong sent to Coby Ebere?

At the youth level, Ebere looked to be a promising talent and one with a bright future at Everton.

In the 2023-2024 season, at the under-18 level, he netted an impressive 11 goals in just nine appearances.

However, the step up to the under-21s was one far too big for him to overcome at the time, and he has not made the progress expected, scoring just twice in 32 appearances at that age group.

But, in that aforementioned under-18 season, Armstrong and Ebere would have become well acquanited, featuring in four games together.

Now, with Ebere's exit officially announced by FK Cukaricki via Instagram, Armstrong has issued him a parting message.

The Everton youngster has simply left a love heart emoji in the comments.

Plenty other Toffees youth prospects have also replied, with Eli Campbell replying with two fire emojis.

Meanwhile, Callum Bates has replied stating: "Good luck, brother."

Why Ebere's case shows importance of loan moves

While Ebere's progress halted at Everton in the youth set-up, Armstrong's has continued to rise.

At the under-18 level, based on the goals scored, it seemed Ebere's ceiling was much higher.

In part, the eventual difference in the career trajectory may come down the simple conclusion of Armstrong getting an excellent loan move to Preston North End.

The Englishman was afforded game time at a much higher level, the ability to train at a higher level and understand what he needed to add to improve his game.

While Ebere does exit Everton having failed to make his breakthrough, there will certainly be nothing but well wishes for the 20-year-old.