‘Everton set to make Harrison Armstrong decision as EFL race hots up’
Everton are set to make a decision on the future of talented midfielder Harrison Armstrong as a trio of EFL clubs lodge their interest.
Armstrong is highly thought of on the blue half of Merseyside and already has six senior appearances under his belt for the Toffees — including providing an assist in a 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough last season.
The 18-year-old then went on to join Derby County on loan for the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, making 15 appearances and scoring one goal to help the Rams avoid relegation from the Championship.
Starting 12 of his 15 league outings, Armstrong completed 60% of his dribbles, was dispossessed just seven times and won 72% of his tackles during his time at Pride Park (FotMob).
Championship trio chasing Armstrong loan
Everton insider Alan Myers had his say on the rumours that Derby are looking to bring Armstrong back for another loan spell next season, expressing a desire to see the youngster stick with David Moyes’ squad for now, pending any extra signings from the Toffees.
John Eustace’s side face competition from Hull City and Blackburn Rovers after the teenager caught the eye last campaign.
Myers wrote on X (July 21): “I read about interest from Blackburn, Derby and Hull for a Harrison Armstrong loan, I really don’t see any decisions being made about him until near the end of the window, and depending on who Everton bring in to the club.”
Championship move the best choice for Armstrong
Football Insider verdict
At present, Everton do have something of a shortage when it comes to midfielders.
Abdoulaye Doucoure left the club at the end of his contract this summer after proving himself a key player over the last few years.
That leaves Moyes with Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam to sit at the base of his midfield, with Carlos Alcaraz also able to operate there but much more effective in attacking areas.
However, to use Armstrong as the solution to their depth issues would be ambitious.
| 2024/25 Everton minutes by competition | Harrison Armstrong |
| Premier League | 47 |
| FA Cup | 68 |
| EFL Cup | 67 |
Though talented, the scouse youngster has just 47 minutes of Premier League football under his belt so far, and only 182 minutes as a senior Everton player.
The only other experience he has of senior football came during his loan at Derby last season.
Everton are currently being heavily linked with a move for Douglas Luiz from Juventus, highlighting how much Moyes is craving quality and experience in the middle.
With that in mind, another loan in the Championship might just be the perfect experience for Armstrong, who can return a year later — by which time, Idrissa Gueye will be 36 years old.