- Harrison Armstrong has started 6 games this season
- Both Hayden Hackney and Issa Doumbia are linked with Everton
- Harrison Armstrong has been described as Everton’s ‘Golden Boy’
Harrison Armstrong has been one of the brightest talents to emerge from the Everton Academy in recent years. The midfielder has even been called the Toffees ‘golden boy’.
The 19‑year‑old made his senior Everton debut in August 2024 and was sent on loan to Preston North End at the start of this season, where he stood out as one of their best performers.
Recalled in January to add depth to David Moyes’ squad, Armstrong has since featured in seven Premier League games, often deployed on the wing. In total, he has made 11 first‑team appearances this season with six starts, accumulating 508 minutes. He recently signed a contract that runs until 2028.
“Harrison was great, and I’m disappointed that I had to bring him back,” David Moyes said earlier when recalling the midfielder to Everton.
Yet Everton are actively looking to bring in at least one new midfielder this summer. Two names have emerged on the Toffees’ shortlist with reports by TeamTalk suggesting Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney and Venezia’s Issa Doumbia.
Everton’s midfield targets: Hackney and Doumbia
Hackney, recently named the Championship Player of the Season, has enjoyed a fine campaign at the Riverside. The 23‑year‑old has started 38 of his league appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists. He has also been named in the Team of the Week three times.
Former scout Mick Brown stated to Football Insider that it will be impossible for Middlesbrough to retain Hackney if they remain a second‑tier club next season. That admission has placed Everton on alert.
Doumbia, meanwhile, has impressed in Italy’s second division with Venezia. The 24‑year‑old has made 34 appearances this season.
He has contributed six goals and four assists, earning two Team of the Week selections. His contract runs until 2029, and with Venezia on course for promotion, the club is in a strong negotiating position. Reports state Venezia’s asking price is €15 million.
How will new transfers affect Harrison Armstrong?
The potential arrivals of Hackney or Doumbia would add further competition to an Everton midfield already featuring James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye. For Harrison Armstrong, who has been used mostly as a wide player since his recall, regular central‑midfield minutes could become even more difficult.
The youngster has only recently signed a long‑term deal, so Everton are unlikely to sell him. Instead, a new loan move is the most logical solution. Preston North End, where he shone during the first half of the season, remains a viable option.
A return to Deepdale would allow Armstrong to have regular minutes in the first team, while Everton reinforces their midfield with more experienced names.
For Armstrong, this tricky situation means proving himself away from Hill Dickinson Stadium at least for now. His talent is not in doubt, but his breakthrough at Everton may require some time. A loan move feels like the smartest move for all.
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