There will be both hope and fear for Preston North End if Everton transfer call is made
There has been talk of Everton potentially recalling the midfielder in January
As the January transfer window approaches one of the big questions is around one of Preston North End’s current players.
Harrison Armstrong has been a shining light in the Lilywhites’ midfield, playing with a maturity beyond his years and infectious confidence on the pitch. Parent club Everton were always going to lose Idrissa Gueye to the Africa Cup of Nations, but talk of a recall has ramped up even more lately, given the Toffees’ injury blows.
Everton boss David Moyes - a former Preston manager and player - seemed reluctant to bring Armstrong back when asked about his situation a few weeks ago. The injury to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and suspension tightrope being walked by James Garner, though, saw the Scot shift his tune when asked again last week.
AFCON runs until January 18, summer signing Merlin Rohl was back involved last time out and Dewsbury-Hall could feasibly return in four to six weeks. It’s reasonable to conclude, therefore, that while Everton may simply need Armstrong now, they may not do towards the end of January/early February.
Rules prevent him going out on loan to any other club than North End this season. PNE assistant boss Stuart McCall implied that could be how things play out, when asked last weekend. One thing which could hurt Preston in that regard, though, is if Armstrong gets an opportunity on the Premier League stage and grabs it with both hands. Given his obvious talent that would come as little surprise.
Speaking about the teenager last month, Heckingbottom said: “He's a player who's 18 and already having a big impact on Championship games. One because of his talent, but probably more so because of his personality on the pitch and his drive to win. He really affects games positively and that's his gift, that's his talent... and he's got so much more to learn as well. He should get even better, so I think he's going to be a top player.”
Armstrong has spoken about wanting to make his mark in the top flight next campaign. Judging by the way he carries himself on and off the pitch, the midfielder would not be fazed by being thrust into the first team fold at Everton right now. Preston will hope the next couple of games are not the last with him this season, but you know what you sign up for with loan players and Armstrong has always felt like a particularly special one.
If he does depart then it’ll be a case of North End being glad they got him at all, and appreciative of the contribution he has made. Replacing his quality won’t be easy but the Lilywhites would certainly need to try and do so. It’s a bridge Paul Heckingbottom and co will be praying they don’t have to cross, and if any manager out there will want to do PNE a favour then it’s Moyes. Time will tell whether he has any option.
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