Nottingham Forest had their sights on Everton youngster Harrison Armstrong in the latter stages of the transfer window
Everton's Harrison Armstrong
Everton's Harrison Armstrong(Image: Getty)
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Nottingham Forest must have thought they were poised to have another Elliot Anderson on their hands. Instead, Harrison Armstrong will be seen as the one that got away.
Some will feel it is only right he stayed put at Everton. Fans don’t like to see their academy graduates poached - even more so when it concerns a player with a future as bright as Armstrong’s appears to be.
The 19-year-old is viewed as a very talented prospect. An England Under-19 international, he has made 18 Premier League appearances for Everton to date.
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Forest put forward a reported £40 million bid for him and the prospect of a deal was said to have reached an advanced stage. Armstrong had even reportedly been granted permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
Then came the backlash. Once news of the Reds’ pursuit became public knowledge, Toffees supporters made their feelings clear.
Armstrong’s name was chanted throughout last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, which he started. The travelling contingent also let it be known the club would have a “riot” on their hands, if a sale went through. The Grand Old Team forum said it would represent “potentially the biggest mistake” of Everton’s recent history.
It all led to a U-turn being performed and the deal being called off. A case of what might have been for Forest.
In 2024, they snapped up Anderson from Newcastle United for £35m and banked £116m this summer from his sale to Manchester City. Perhaps similar profit might eventually have been made on Armstrong.
The Reds were eyeing up midfield reinforcements for much of the summer, even following the arrival of Xaver Schlager. Head coach Oliver Glasner does have options in that department - with Ibrahim Sangare, James McAtee, Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates all in the squad - but had things worked out differently another teenage gem could have been added to that list.
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