adminEverton supporters have made their feelings unmistakably clear over reports that highly rated academy graduate Harrison Armstrong could leave the club this summer.
The 19-year-old midfielder has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Nottingham Forest, with reports claiming that the Premier League side are working on a deal worth around £40 million, potentially including a sell-on clause.
Armstrong was still named in Everton’s starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future.
The teenager’s involvement did little to calm the concerns of Everton’s travelling supporters. Instead, the away fans used the occasion to send a direct message to the club’s ownership.
During the match, supporters repeatedly sang a chant calling on Everton not to sell Armstrong, making it clear that they would be extremely unhappy if the academy product was allowed to leave.
The reaction highlights just how highly Armstrong is regarded by Everton supporters. Having progressed through the club’s academy, he is seen as one of the players capable of representing Everton’s future.
Armstrong joined Everton’s academy at a young age and has developed through the club’s youth system before gaining senior experience through loan spells with Derby County and Preston North End. He was recalled from Preston during the 2025/26 campaign and subsequently became increasingly involved with the first team.
His progress has been particularly encouraging over the past year, making the possibility of his departure especially difficult for supporters to accept.
Everton manager David Moyes was also asked about the situation following the draw with Bournemouth. The experienced manager confirmed that an offer had been received but insisted that the final decision would be made by the club rather than by him alone.
Moyes has previously indicated that he wants Everton to retain their best players, and Armstrong’s potential departure would therefore represent a significant decision for the club.
Everton’s supporters are particularly sensitive to the possibility of another highly rated homegrown player leaving Goodison Park.
The club has previously seen academy graduates such as Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon move elsewhere for significant transfer fees. Armstrong’s situation has therefore revived concerns among some supporters that Everton could once again sacrifice an important part of their future for immediate financial gain.
The reported £40 million offer would represent a substantial amount of money for a player who is still only 19, but Everton supporters clearly believe Armstrong’s long-term value could be far greater.
There is also the sporting argument to consider. Armstrong is young, versatile and already gaining valuable Premier League experience. Selling him now could mean losing a player who might develop into an important first-team figure over the coming seasons.
For Everton, the decision is therefore not simply about the size of the transfer fee.
It is about whether Armstrong is viewed as an important part of the club’s long-term project under Moyes.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, the situation could develop quickly. Nottingham Forest remain interested, while Everton must now decide whether the financial benefits of a potential deal outweigh the sporting and emotional consequences of losing one of their most promising young players.
For now, the message from the Everton supporters is clear: they want Harrison Armstrong to stay.
The next move will be up to Everton’s decision-makers.
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