Everton have been linked with Hayden Hackney and Issa Doumbia in recent weeks, and that could have ramifications for Harrison Armstrong.
Everton are looking to add more depth and quality in the middle of the park, but they would also need to decide on the future of Harrison Armstrong.
The 19-year-old is a tremendous talent, and he has a bright future. He has impressed with his first-team cameos this season, and signing a central midfielder in the summer could have an impact on his future at the club, as per TEAMtalk.
It will be interesting to see whether Everton is prepared to send him out on loan to gain regular first-team action and continue his development. Sitting on the bench at Everton will not benefit him. If they end up signing Hackney or Doumbia, they will not be able to accommodate the 19-year-old in the starting lineup.
Everton must groom Armstrong properly
Armstrong is regarded as one of the finest young talents to have come out of the Everton Academy in recent years, and they need to groom him properly. They cannot afford to hamper his development by signing players in his position. The midfielder was on loan at Preston during the first half of the season, but was brought back to the club in January due to the team’s lack of depth. The 19-year-old can operate in the middle of the park as well as on the flanks. He impressed with his performances with Everton in the Premier League. He will be hoping to play more often in the upcoming campaign, and it remains to be seen what the club decides.
Everton must look to groom him properly and help him fulfil his potential with the club. They cannot afford to sideline a tremendous talent like him.
Meanwhile, Hackney and Doumbia have done quite well for their respective clubs. Hackney has been a reliable performer with Middlesbrough in the Championship, and Doumbia has impressed in the second division of Italian football with Venezia. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for them, and Everton could be an attractive destination. It remains to be seen whether the toffees come forward with an offer to sign them in the summer.