Everton prospect Harrison Armstrong faces further setback with Hayden Hackney on the transfer radar this summer.
It has been a frustrating few weeks for Armstrong, who now finds himself struggling to even make Everton’s matchday squad.
The Blues brought the 19-year-old back from his loan stint at Preston North End, but he is now having to watch from the stands.
Should Everton be making a summer move for Hayden Hackney at a reported £30m?
Perhaps he'd be a good long-term successor to Idrissa Gana Gueye… 🤔
A custom graphic showing the reported asking price of Hayden Hackney.
Credit: Photo by Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
With Everton leading the ‘ambitious’ race to sign Hackney from Middlesbrough, even more questions are being raised over what lies next for Armstrong on Merseyside.
Fulham v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Everton’s interest in Hayden Hackney spells bad news for Harrison Armstrong
Everton’s midfield department is already looking bloated, with Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl struggling to make it off the bench.
European qualification would provide these players more opportunities next season, but the club appears to be keen on adding even more options.
What should be next for this young man over the summer? 🫣
Failed to even make the squad in recent weeks under Moyes… 🙄
Harrison Armstrong of Everton during the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Izzy Poles – AMA
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Hackney recently won the Championship’s Player of the Season award, which could secure him a move to the top flight regardless of how Boro’s season ends.
There would be an expectation from the midfielder to come in and potentially disrupt the current starting duo under David Moyes.
This would not provide Armstrong with a positive outlook ahead of the new campaign.
Hayden Hackney could force Armstrong back out on loan
Moyes admitted he wanted Armstrong to return to Preston on loan for the remainder of the season.
Everton’s injury crisis in January prevented that from happening.
Bringing in a player like Hackney could prove a real spanner in the works for Armstrong’s prospects on Merseyside.
The pair have both played Championship football this season and the metrics weigh heavily in Hackney’s favour.
As well as providing a much greater attacking threat, Hackney (1.8) was also able to register more tackles per 90 minutes than Armstrong (1.1), according to SofaScore.
Five goals and seven assists weigh significantly in Hackney’s favour, but the 23-year-old has also proven his ability to progress the ball from midfield.
Hackney has recorded 1.5 successful dribbles per game this season, which is triple what Armstrong managed whilst at Preston.
Everton’s apparent desire to add in midfield will raise questions over what is next for Armstrong’s development.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox