How Everton midfield crisis directly harms Harrison Armstrong's development

Everton need to be careful with Harrison Armstrong this transfer window.

The 19-year-old's development is something David Moyes needs to take care of ahead of next season.

Last summer, the young midfielder joined Preston North End on loan, but his impressive stint in Lancashire was cut short after being recalled in January.

Armstrong has struggled for game time at Hill Dickinson Stadium in recent months and his prospects seem bleak for the 2026-27 campaign.

While a loan move away feels like the best option for the England youth international, he may have to wait for it.

Moyes could potentially hold off on the young midfielder's exit this transfer window, which will surely ruin his plans.

Why Harrison Armstrong is stuck at Everton

Goodison News have covered reports of James Garner's injury at the Toffees, keeping him out for the start of the season.

The former Manchester United ace is expected to only return to training around the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Idrissa Gueye has also confirmed his departure from Hill Dickinson Stadium, reducing Moyes' options in the position.

While Hayden Hackney has arrived from Middlesbrough, the Scottish manager will surely want to maintain depth in the engine room for now.

As a result, Armstrong may have a part to play at the Blues after the transfer window closes, but his game time will surely be limited.

The young midfielder will then have to wait until January to secure an exit and the current scenario clearly isn't ideal for him.

What The Friedkin Group can expect at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton were forced to bring Armstrong back in the winter transfer window because The Friedkin Group were reluctant to spend a significant sum back then.

That still seems to be the case for the American owners, who have failed to secure a marquee signing in L3 this summer.

Hackney and Tyrique George are the only two new permanent signings, with Merlin Rohl's obligation to buy kicking in towards the end of last season.

Dan Friedkin can expect a hostile environment at Hill Dickinson Stadium when he visits if the Merseyside outfit fail to build a competitive team again.

TFG undoubtedly let Moyes down last summer and it looks like the same is about to happen again.