Everton teenager Harrison Armstrong is flourishing on loan at Preston North End, but the chances of recalling him will all depend on this one factor.
Preston fans have been blown away by Harrison Armstrong’s performances, and some have even predicted him to become England captain one day.
That’s how much of an impression the 18-year-old has left on the Championship outfit, who are currently sixth in the league.
There have been reports that Everton may recall Armstrong in the January transfer window, however, that is considered unlikely based on the one key deciding factor.
Harrison Armstrong in action for Preston North End v Charlton Athletic
Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton will only recall Harrison Armstrong if injuries hit
According to TEAMtalk, Everton don’t intend to recall Armstrong this January as they believe staying at Deepdale will be beneficial for his development.
The only factor that would make Moyes and his staff consider a recall would be injuries to his current midfield ranks.
That would seem unlikely, though, given the Toffees have a plethora of options that can operate in the middle of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Carlos Alcaraz
Idrissa Gana Gueye
Merlin Rohl
Tim Iroegbunam
James Garner
Gueye will depart for AFCON in December, but even then, Moyes will still have plenty of options; he may just have to change the formation slightly to cover the lack of a defensive midfielder.
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A midfield pivot of Dewsbury-Hall and Rohl would be interesting to see, given they’re one of the most athletic players in the Premier League.
Armstrong staying at Preston will give him extra time to develop physically and be ready to come straight into Moyes’ first team next season.
The 18-year-old is still filling out his frame, so that will be something Preston coaches are helping him to develop.
Harrison Armstrong continues to impress in his loan spell at @pnefc and was named Player of the Match in Preston's 3-2 comeback win over Sheffield United. 🙌
We caught up with Harrison that night at Deepdale to talk about his development, performances, playing style and more. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/MiqD8P3lcK
— Everton (@Everton) October 29, 2025
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Heckingbottom reckons Armstrong still has two areas to improve, which is really exciting considering how well he’s already doing.
“I really like Harrison. I think he can get better still. As I’ve seen him play more, there’s one or two things I want to challenge him on but I really like how he plays, what he’s like as a lad,” said the Preston boss last month.
If Heckingbottom can squeeze even more potential out of the Everton loanee over the next six months, then he could be the first name on the teamsheet come next August.