Everton’s ownership group has performed a dramatic about-face, officially rejecting a £40 million bid from Nottingham Forest for teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong following an explosive backlash from the club’s supporters. The Friedkin Group, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, intervened to halt the proposed sale of the 19-year-old England Under-19 international after travelling fans chanted Armstrong’s […]
Everton’s ownership group has performed a dramatic about-face, officially rejecting a £40 million bid from Nottingham Forest for teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong following an explosive backlash from the club’s supporters.
The Friedkin Group, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, intervened to halt the proposed sale of the 19-year-old England Under-19 international after travelling fans chanted Armstrong’s name throughout Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth and threatened open revolt should the academy product be allowed to leave.
Forest’s offer, which included a potential sell-on clause, had been under serious consideration by the Everton board, enraging a fanbase already frustrated by the club’s lack of transfer activity this window. The reaction at the Vitality Stadium grew so toxic that it was immediately relayed back to the club’s hierarchy in the United States.
Armstrong, regarded as one of Finch Farm’s brightest prospects in recent years, made his 24th senior appearance against Bournemouth, playing 87 minutes before being replaced by Charly Alcaraz. His departure would have represented a significant blow to a club struggling to produce homegrown talent.
Manager David Moyes, who has been openly frustrated by the club’s recruitment, appeared to signal that the decision was beyond his control during his post-match press conference.
“I think you always have to consider supporters; supporters aren’t always wrong,” Moyes said. “But then there are also times where I’ve had people at clubs who are really powerful and make difficult decisions. Managers have to make decisions on players sometimes and they feel like huge decisions. But there are sometimes bigger decisions to be made and the club will, I’m sure, make what they think is the right one.”
The decision to keep Armstrong will pacify Moyes, whose grim post-match demeanour betrayed his concern, and will likely prevent a full-scale revolt from a supporter base that has endured considerable turmoil under recent ownership.
The fan group The 1878s, who organise pre-match displays at Hill Dickinson Stadium, had issued a stark statement indicating they would step down from their roles if Armstrong was sold. Captain James Tarkowski also made his opposition clear following the Bournemouth draw, which was rescued by his own late equaliser.
Meanwhile, a separate transfer saga continues to develop, with Tottenham Hotspur entering advanced talks to sign Toffees forward Iliman Ndiaye, while Richarlison is set to return to Merseyside in a swap deal. Everton are also in discussions with Manchester City regarding a potential loan return for Jack Grealish before the deadline.
The club have signed midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for an initial £16m and Christian Norgaard from Arsenal for £7m, while Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl have made their loan moves permanent. Brennan Johnson has joined from Crystal Palace in a swap involving Dwight McNeil.
However, Everton have yet to secure a right-back to replace the ageing Seamus Coleman, though they have revived interest in Kenny Tete, who previously rejected the club to sign a new deal at Fulham.
