Everton have moved swiftly in the January transfer window, recalling 18-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston North End. The decision, announced on January 1, 2026, comes as David Moyes faces a depleted squad ahead of Everton’s crucial Premier League fixture against Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Armstrong’s immediate return to Merseyside means he will be available for selection for Sunday’s match, a move that has generated both excitement and debate among fans of both clubs.
Armstrong’s time at Preston North End may have been brief, but it was certainly impactful. The young midfielder joined the Lilywhites on the final day of the summer transfer window in 2025, quickly establishing himself as a regular in Paul Heckingbottom’s side. Over the course of his loan, Armstrong made 17 appearances in the Championship, starting the last five games before his recall. His contributions included one goal and one assist, with his most memorable moment coming on December 6, 2025, when his 81st-minute strike against Wrexham salvaged a crucial point for Preston’s ongoing promotion push.
The news of Armstrong’s recall broke just as Preston were preparing to face Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale. The timing meant Armstrong was denied the chance to bid farewell to the Lilywhites’ faithful in person. Nevertheless, he took to social media to express his gratitude, posting a succinct and heartfelt message: “Some club, it’s been a pleasure @pnefcofficial.” That classy seven-word goodbye resonated with fans who had quickly grown fond of the Everton loanee’s energy and commitment on the pitch.
Everton’s decision to recall Armstrong is rooted in necessity as much as opportunity. The club’s squad has been stretched thin by injuries and international duty, with key players such as Keane and Alcaraz sidelined and others away at the Africa Cup of Nations. As one fan noted in an online discussion, “Moyes wouldn’t tell the press what injuries Keane and Alcaraz had to keep them out of the squad for the Forest game, so maybe the injury to Alcaraz and the fact that Senegal have progressed to the next round of the Afcon made him recall Armstrong.” The move is seen by many supporters as a pragmatic response to a challenging situation, with another fan remarking, “We need numbers and signings are going to be very thin on the ground, so this is in itself, like a new signing!”
Armstrong’s journey to this point is a testament to his talent and determination. Having joined Everton’s Academy at the tender age of five, he has steadily climbed through the ranks, making his senior debut for the Toffees against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2024. Last season, he enjoyed a successful loan spell with Derby County, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Rams avoid relegation from the Championship. Known for his composure and physical presence, Armstrong stands at 185 cm (6'-1") and is widely regarded as a modern Number 8. His versatility allows him to operate as a defensive midfielder, an attacking midfielder, or most naturally, as a deep-lying box-to-box playmaker.
Despite his promise, there are questions about how much game time Armstrong will actually see during his recall. Several Everton supporters have voiced concerns about relying too heavily on an 18-year-old with limited Premier League experience. “He’s not ready for the Premier League,” one fan wrote, while another added, “He will be an option, something we don’t have at present, I just hope it doesn’t signal, no new players coming in January.” The consensus among many is that Armstrong will likely serve as a bench option, providing valuable squad depth during a period of intense fixture congestion and physical demands. “Worst case: Armstrong could easily play 200+ valuable minutes before going back to Preston,” suggested another supporter, highlighting the developmental benefits of even limited top-flight exposure.
Paul Heckingbottom, Preston’s manager, has publicly praised Armstrong’s contributions during his loan spell, emphasizing the young midfielder’s maturity and work ethic. Armstrong’s ability to step up in key moments has not gone unnoticed, particularly his late equalizer against Wrexham. The Lilywhites are currently in the thick of a promotion battle, and losing a player of Armstrong’s caliber mid-season is a blow. Yet, the club and its fans appear to understand the realities of loan agreements and the needs of parent clubs during turbulent times.
For Armstrong, the immediate future holds both opportunity and uncertainty. With Everton currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table, Moyes is under pressure to maintain the club’s upward trajectory despite ongoing personnel challenges. Armstrong’s main competition for minutes will likely be Merlin Rohl, another young midfielder vying for a spot in Moyes’ rotation. Some fans have speculated about the possibility of Armstrong returning to Preston later in the season, depending on Everton’s injury situation and transfer activity. “Is it possible he can go back to Preston this season when our depleted squad is strengthened?” one supporter wondered aloud.
While there is no definitive word on whether Armstrong will feature prominently against Brentford, his inclusion in the first-team squad is a clear signal of Everton’s intent to utilize all available resources. Moyes, known for his cautious approach and preference for experienced players, may opt to ease Armstrong into Premier League action. As one fan put it, “Armstrong will be used on the bench in case of injuries. It’s just the manager being overly cautious, and we would complain if we had no one if that happened.”
The recall has also sparked broader discussions about Everton’s transfer strategy and the need for January reinforcements. With squad depth a persistent concern, supporters are eager to see new signings to bolster the club’s ambitions. “January additions are a must,” declared one fan, echoing the sentiments of many who hope Armstrong’s return is just the first of several moves to strengthen the team.
As the Premier League campaign resumes after the New Year, all eyes will be on Armstrong to see how he adapts to the demands of top-flight football. Whether he becomes a regular fixture in Moyes’ lineup or gains experience from the bench, his recall is a testament to his rapid development and the faith Everton have in their homegrown talent. Preston fans, meanwhile, will be watching closely, hopeful that Armstrong’s next chapter brings further growth—and perhaps, in time, a return to Deepdale.
With Everton’s squad stretched and the season’s challenges mounting, Harrison Armstrong’s recall marks a pivotal moment for both player and club. As the Toffees prepare to face Brentford, supporters are eager to see how the young midfielder’s story continues to unfold in the Premier League spotlight.