Everton are convinced they have unearthed their next academy superstar in Harrison Armstrong. The 18-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Preston North End, is already being tipped by those inside Goodison Park as a future star who could follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley.
Armstrong, who captained England’s Under-19s against Ukraine earlier this month, is held in the highest regard by Everton’s coaching staff. Sources close to the club describe him as their “golden boy” — a player identified as special talent since joining the academy at the age of five.
After making his senior debut under Sean Dyche in August 2024, Armstrong has since clocked eight first-team appearances for the Toffees, including two this season under David Moyes. While Moyes was keen to keep him around the first-team squad, a late deadline-day deal — finalised just 30 minutes before the window closed — saw him head to Deepdale for a season of Championship experience.
Armstrong outlines his ambitions
The teenager has featured twice from the bench for Preston so far, including a 23-minute cameo in Saturday’s clash with former loan club Derby County. Speaking after his debut against Middlesbrough, Armstrong made clear he is focused on repaying the faith shown in him.
“I just want my teammates to know they can rely on me in those moments… I can be steady and relied on to handle the ball but also, I can be a risk taker and make things happen.” — Harrison Armstrong
On choosing Preston over more than 10 rival suitors, Armstrong credited manager Paul Heckingbottom’s vision for his development: “The chat I had with the manager outlined where he thinks my game can improve — becoming that complete midfielder. Adding goals and assists is massive.”
Preston platform for growth
Preston’s strong start to the season — 11 points from six games, sitting fifth in the Championship — means Armstrong faces a battle to break into an in-form midfield. Yet his potential is clear, and both Everton and Preston view the loan as a chance for him to sharpen his end product in a competitive setting.
| Stat (2025/26) | Harrison Armstrong |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 2 |
| Starts | 0 |
| Minutes played | 35 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
source: sofascore match data – 22 September 2025
So far, Armstrong’s contribution has been limited to cameo appearances, but his maturity and confidence in interviews highlight why Everton are so excited about his long-term potential.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Everton’s strategy is clear: “The Friedkin Group are determined to rebuild Everton’s academy as a pillar of the club’s identity. Armstrong is the face of that project. He’s technically gifted, mentally strong, and already a leader, as shown by his England U19 captaincy. A loan at Preston, in a high-pressure promotion chase, is the ideal environment to toughen him up.”
William adds: “If Armstrong adds goals and assists to his game, he has everything to become a complete midfielder. Everton view him as a future first-team regular who could anchor their ambitions of returning to European football.”
Key insights
- Everton’s Harrison Armstrong is described internally as the academy’s “golden boy.”
- The 18-year-old is on loan at Preston, who beat over 10 Championship rivals to his signature.
- Armstrong says his focus is on becoming a complete midfielder, adding “goals and assists.”
- The deal was sealed just 30 minutes before transfer deadline after Everton signed Merlin Rohl.
- Armstrong’s contract at Goodison Park runs until 2028, underlining Everton’s long-term plans.
What’s next for Armstrong and Everton?
Armstrong will be hoping to earn his first Preston start in the coming weeks, with the Lilywhites pushing for a promotion bid. Regular Championship football would accelerate his development far more than occasional substitute outings in the Premier League.
For Everton, the plan is clear: monitor Armstrong closely this season, integrate him further in 2026, and mould him into a central figure at Goodison Park. With his contract secured until 2028, the club see him as a potential cornerstone of their Friedkin-backed rebuild.
👉 Do you believe Harrison Armstrong can become Everton’s next world-class academy graduate, following in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 22 Sep 2025 11:33
Nothing special.. Will never get in the footsteps of Wayne, just not good enough, good young lad but not on the level Wayne was.
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