Harrison Armstrong in Everton training gear.
Harrison Armstrong in Everton training gear.
Everton have made a decision on Harrison Armstrong’s future on the last day of the transfer window.
The Everton academy graduate is highly rated by David Moyes, after shining in pre-season, but there are question marks over how much game time he would receive in the regular season.
He shone in Everton’s 2-0 win over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup, notching assists for both strikes as the Blues progressed.
Derby had been interested in taking the Everton starlet on loan, but it appears that they have been beaten to his signature.
David Moyes applauds fans Everton
Credit: Imago
Harrison Armstrong set for Preston loan
Preston have been chasing Everton’s Armstrong, and it seems they are set to finally get their man on deadline day.
The Telegraph’s John Percy reported on 1 September that the Lilywhites have won the race to take Armstrong on a temporary deal.
He states that a number of Championship clubs wanted to sign the Blues ace.
Loan move away from Everton is best for Harrison Armstrong
A loan move is best for Armstrong’s development at this point, because he will start every week in the second tier.
At Everton, he may have made a few cameo appearances here and there, but that is not enough for an 18-year-old.
Armstrong made his Premier League debut against Tottenham last August
Spent the second half of last season on loan with Derby
Has featured eight times for the Blues senior team
His prospects would have been further reduced if Everton sign Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl, who they are pushing to add to their squad before the deadline.
Therefore, sealing a loan exit is the right move for all parties; it will allow Armstrong to develop and gain senior experience, while the Blues get a better player back when he returns.
If he is to reach his potential, then he needs to play on a weekly basis, and he would not have that opportunity on Merseyside, given the options ahead of him.
Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tim Iroegbunam are all ahead of him in the pecking order, so he will have had a difficult task getting into the first-team.
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