Returning Armstrong 'Excited' By Everton Future

Harrison Armstrong wants to be part of an “exciting” Everton “on an upward trajectory” after the talented midfielder signed a long-term contract with the Club following a breakthrough season.

The 18-year-old, who joined Everton Academy at the age of five, has enjoyed a memorable campaign, making his Men’s Senior Team debut in September, going on to make six appearances and providing the assist for Beto’s opener in the FA Cup third-round win at home to Peterborough United in January.

The following month, Armstrong agreed a new three-and-a-half-year deal until the end of June 2028, with a further year option, before heading out to Derby County for the first loan move of his promising career.

With the Rams, the teenager – often operating as a deep-lying playmaker – featured for the full 90 minutes during 10 of his 15 Championship appearances, playing a pivotal role in helping John Eustace’s side retain their place in the second tier of English football.

Returning to Finch Farm following the conclusion of the Championship campaign, the Liverpool-born talent is now eyeing a bright future with David Moyes’ Blues.

“I’ve been here since I was five, so the new contract is a big milestone to reach,” Armstrong told evertontv. “The past two years have been fast-tracked. There have been different experiences, but I've enjoyed it, and I've enjoyed the new challenges.”

Reflecting on the learnings from his loan spell at Derby, Armstrong continued: “I've learned a lot about myself: things I'm good at, strengths and weaknesses.

“I think I've matured as a person and hopefully I’m an all-round better player.

“You’re playing in front of a crowd, having pressure on you each game. And I think physically, having to play games in a matter of a few days has been tough, but I've enjoyed it.”

Signing as a first-year scholar with Everton Under-18s in the summer of 2023, it’s been an accelerated path of progression for Armstrong, who quickly established himself as a regular with Paul Tait’s Under-21s last season, ahead of signing a first professional deal last summer, and then making his Premier League debut in August 2024 against Tottenham Hotspur.

Top-flight league minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth followed for Armstrong, who also gained experience in cup games, facing Peterborough United, Doncaster Rovers and Southampton – all at a packed-out Goodison Park.

An international debut also arrived for the youngster in October, featuring for England Under-18s for the first time, before going on to captain the Young Lions in a 2-2 draw against France in March.

“It’s moving quick but I’m enjoying it,” he acknowledged. “Every month, it seems like there's a different challenge, but I think I've taken to it well and hopefully there's many more to come.

“I don't think I would have expected it to go this quickly. As a player, you're always hoping for success and you're hoping you can do well, but I think I've just taken it one step at a time and taken every challenge as it comes.”

The prospect of playing at Everton Stadium – home of the Blues from next season – is “really exciting” he added, explaining: “All the lads are wanting to be a part of it and part of the upcoming games.

“You want to be a part of as many games as possible. I think [playing there] is something that I look forward to and the whole Club looks forward to.

“[The team] has been doing really well and it's nice to see the Club going in an upward trajectory. I think it's something a young player wants to be part of. You see the Club moving forward with the new stadium and new players coming in. And yes, you want to be a part of it.”