Everton’s Harrison Armstrong sparks Birmingham Derby, Middlesbrough interest

Everton face a pivotal choice on 19‑year‑old midfielder Harrison Armstrong, with Championship sides Birmingham Derby and Middlesbrough both urged to act should the Toffees make him available this summer.

Armstrong, 19, has emerged over the last couple of years as one of Everton’s most outstanding young prospects.

He spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Derby County, making 15 appearances under John Eustace and scoring once in a crucial away victory at Plymouth Argyle.

The following season he began on loan with Preston North End, where he featured 17 times, netting once and providing an assist before being recalled in January to give David Moyes another midfield option after Idrissa Gana Gueye departed for the AFCON with Senegal.

Everton’s recent signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough means Armstrong’s minutes on Merseyside are not guaranteed next season, and Alan Nixon has reported that a loan abroad could be on the cards, prompting FLW to highlight three clubs that should monitor his situation.

Birmingham City, backed by joint owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady, won the League One title in 2025 and have spent over £50 million on new signings. This summer they have added Jhon Solis for around £6 million, Dael Fry, Luis Vazquez, James Beadle and Kristoffer Lund Hansen, giving manager Chris Davies a crowded midfield and a clear need for a player of Armstrong’s profile.

Derby County’s head coach John Eustace, who previously worked with Armstrong, showed interest in re‑signing him after his brief stint at Pride Park. With other midfield options such as Lewis Travis already in place, Armstrong would provide a familiar and technically gifted alternative.

Middlesbrough, reeling from the £24 million departure of Hayden Hackney, have already brought in Myles Peart‑Harris, Kyle Joseph, Will Lankshear, Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten. Manager Kim Hellberg, seeking a physical midfielder who can guarantee minutes, sees Armstrong as a potential key addition.

Action images By  James Pennington Published Aug 6, 2026, 7:45 AM GMT+1. James is a Stoke City fan, born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2025 with a 1:1 (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Football League World. Add Us Summary Generate Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here. Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap. Ho.