Everton call off Armstrong sale after fan backlash

What the report says

Everton have withdrawn from a proposed sale of midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest after a strong backlash from supporters, BBC Sport reported. Forest had reportedly offered £40m plus a possible sell-on clause for the 19-year-old England Under-19 international, who is seen as one of the club’s most promising academy graduates. The move sparked anger among fans, who voiced support for Armstrong during Everton’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth and warned against selling him.

According to the BBC report, Everton’s board, led by chair and owner Dan Friedkin through The Friedkin Group, decided not to accept the bid. Armstrong has made 24 appearances for Everton and started all three of the club’s Premier League matches so far this season, underlining his growing role in the squad. He was substituted after 87 minutes against Bournemouth, with Charly Alcaraz replacing him.

Manager David Moyes said after the match that supporters should be taken seriously, while also hinting that final decisions may sit higher up at the club. The BBC’s analysis suggested the U-turn helped avoid a deeper confrontation with the fanbase and preserved a player viewed as central to Everton’s future. In broader context, the case reflects the tension many clubs face between balancing finances and protecting homegrown talent.