Derby County get their 2025/26 Championship campaign underway later this afternoon as they make the trip to Stoke City.
It’s been a superb summer so far for John Eustace, with his Rams side making 10 new signings so far and more are expected before the transfer window shuts on 1 September.
Derby have shown an interest in Alfie Gilchrist with Kane Wilson still getting back to full fitness, although this position may not be a high priority with Ryan Nyambe and Joe Ward also fighting it out for a place in the side.
Eustace has added to his midfield over the course of the last month. David Ozoh has returned on loan, while Bobby Clark rejected Premier League sides in favour of a move to Pride Park. Now, EFL Analysis can provide an update on any potential interest in Harrison Armstrong.
Where Derby County stand in the hunt for Harrison Armstrong
The Everton midfielder was superb for the Rams last time out, scoring a stunning goal against Plymouth Argyle, making 15 appearances in the Championship in total. However, with Clark and Ozoh already at the club, and Derby having shown interest in Lewis Travis previously, there are question marks over whether another midfielder is needed.
Harrison Armstrong of Derby County looks on
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has explained the situation surrounding Clark and whether any potential signing of Travis in the coming weeks would change anything.
Speaking exclusively to EFL Analysis, he said: “I don’t think signing those two [Clark and Travis] would rule Harrison Armstrong out, necessarily. But, Armstrong is one of those players who Everton, with his squad position, might not be willing to let him go out. He’s going to be a player they probably make a decision on in the last week or so in August.
“There are a lot of Championship clubs that really like him, though. With no disrespect to Derby, I think he’ll go higher if he comes back to the Championship. I think he’ll be going to one of the promotion-chasing teams.
“That’s not to say Derby won’t be up there, but if you’re looking at the odds now, they are not amongst the favourites. I think he’ll go to one of the perceived top six teams in the Championship if he goes anywhere.”
Championship sides will be keeping a keen eye on Armstrong
After such a strong campaign at Derby last time out, it would not be a surprise to see a host of second tier clubs monitoring Armstrong.
The teenager could be the ideal Tyler Dibling replacement at Southampton, while the likes of Coventry City, Leicester City and Ipswich Town would all benefit from the calm and control he brings to the middle of the park.
Harrison Armstrong of Derby County shakes hands with John Eustace, Manager of Derby County, as he is substituted off during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Luton Town FC
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Adding more goals to his game will of course be the next step for Armstrong, but he will be hoping that he can do that at Everton in the Premier League this season.
However, the Toffees are going all out to fill their own midfield, and a late move for the 19-year-old from one of the top Championship sides could be on the cards. Yet, Derby supporters will be extremely keen to see him return.