Everton have decided to keep academy graduate Harrison Armstrong after a major fan backlash forced the club's owners to scrap a proposed transfer. The Friedkin Group reversed the decision to sell the 19-year-old to Nottingham Forest, a move that had been close to completion.
According to a report from Daily Mail Sport, Everton had accepted an offer from Forest worth £35 million, with a potential £5 million more in add-ons and a sell-on clause included. Armstrong had even been given permission to travel to Nottingham to finalise the switch. The dramatic U-turn came after vocal protests from Everton supporters during Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Bournemouth, where chants against the sale filled Goodison Park.
Why did the owners change their mind?
The power of fan sentiment directly influenced the club's hierarchy. During the Bournemouth match, clear and persistent chanting made the supporters' position on selling a homegrown talent unmistakable. This public display of dissent occurred as Everton sit in a promising 4th place in the Premier League table with four points from their opening two games. Manager David Moyes acknowledged the weight of fan opinion. "I think you always have to consider supporters," Moyes said. "There’s also times at clubs when people who are really powerful make difficult decisions."
Ultimately, The Friedkin Group, who own the club, chose to listen. They pulled the plug on a deal that would have seen a significant fee arrive at a time when the squad still needs reinforcement. Moyes confirmed the offer and the club's ultimate authority over the matter, stating, "There’s been an offer. Apart from that I don’t think there’s much else I can say, it’s a club decision."
What does Harrison Armstrong bring to the squad?
Keeping Armstrong means retaining a player who has come through the club's youth system and already made 21 senior appearances. At 19, he represents the kind of talent Everton are keen to develop rather than sell, especially to a direct league rival. His presence offers Moyes a different option in attack as the team builds on a solid start to the season, having scored three goals and conceded just one for a +2 goal difference. The decision to keep him aligns with Moyes's stated desire not to lose players while still needing to add new ones to the group.
The club's immediate focus, however, shifts to strengthening other areas. Everton are actively looking to add a right-back before the transfer window closes, with Fulham's Kenny Tete understood to be one of two options under consideration. This search continues as they prepare for their next challenge, a home match against Manchester United on September 6th. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
How does this affect Everton's transfer plans?
Scrapping the Armstrong sale has immediate financial implications. The £35 million base fee, plus substantial add-ons, would have provided a major boost to the summer budget. Without that incoming cash, the club may need to be more selective in its remaining business. The priority remains the right-back position, but funds for further additions could now be tighter.
This situation also sets a clear precedent regarding fan influence and the valuation of academy products. The owners have demonstrated a willingness to respond to overwhelming supporter sentiment, a factor that will be noted in any future discussions about key young players. The team's current league position, just two points behind leaders Manchester City, adds to the sense that this is a squad worth investing in and protecting.
What is the current squad situation?
Moyes's squad is navigating the early season with one confirmed absence. Midfielder Christian Norgaard is currently sidelined, and his availability can be tracked on our injuries page. The decision to retain Armstrong adds depth and a homegrown option to the attacking ranks as Everton aim to maintain their strong early form. The focus now turns to integrating Armstrong fully and concluding the window with the necessary defensive reinforcement, all while building towards the clash with Manchester United, who currently sit 16th in the table.
