Nottingham Forest Eye £40m Bid for Everton's Teenage Midfielder Harrison Armstrong

Nottingham Forest have tabled a £40 million bid for Everton’s teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong, according to sources cited by The Athletic. The 19-year-old England under-19 international is viewed as one of Everton’s most promising home-grown talents and has started regularly for the Toffees this season, including in their recent 2-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Forest’s proposal includes a potential sell-on clause, reflecting their ambition to bolster their squad before the summer transfer window closes.

Everton have yet to indicate whether they will entertain the bid, and the approach has triggered strong reactions from supporters who regard Armstrong as a key part of the club’s long-term future under American owners The Friedkin Group (TFG). The Friedkin Group acquired Everton in 2021, and their decision on Armstrong could signal broader intentions regarding the club’s transfer strategy. Manager David Moyes publicly expressed frustration earlier this week after Everton’s 4-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston North End, stressing the need for new signings.

Arsenal’s Iliman Ndiaye, Everton’s creative midfielder, has also been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, adding pressure on the club to strengthen its ranks. Forest’s interest in Armstrong presents a unique dilemma: while Everton may expect top prospects to be poached by elite rivals, the idea of losing a young star to a direct competitor like Nottingham Forest—currently challenging for promotion—has unsettled supporters.

Everton face a critical decision: whether to accept Forest’s bid and risk fan backlash, or refuse and potentially undermine Moyes’ efforts to improve the squad. Armstrong has featured 23 times for Everton and is expected to start again in their upcoming Premier League match at Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Friedkin Group’s handling of this situation could significantly impact Everton’s reputation, squad-building plans, and relationship with supporters. Forest, meanwhile, are determined to secure Armstrong as part of their push for Premier League survival and future progression.

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