Everton have pulled back from the brink over Harrison Armstrong, with the proposed transfer to Nottingham Forest now appearing off despite an accepted offer worth £35 million plus add-ons. The developments, first reported by John Percy of The Telegraph, point to a significant late change in direction from the Goodison Park hierarchy.
Harrison Armstrong transfer from Everton to Forest appears OFF. #efc accepted a £35m bid + gave Harrison permission to travel with #nffc receiving written confirmation – but club ownership have now pulled the plug. Fans’ reaction to potential sale understood to be a major factor
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) August 30, 2026
Forest had been advancing towards a deal for the 19-year-old midfielder and there had been an expectation the move would proceed quickly. Everton had granted permission for Armstrong to travel, with the framework in place for a medical. From Forest’s perspective, the transaction looked straightforward, particularly given the belief that Everton were prepared to sanction a major homegrown sale to support their SCR position.
Instead, the move has stalled dramatically, and the clearest explanation is the reaction that followed on Merseyside. Supporters made their feelings known in no uncertain terms after the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, with chants aimed at the club’s decision-makers urging them to keep one of the academy’s brightest products. That backlash is understood to have weighed heavily on the eventual outcome.
Harrison Armstrong Sale Raises Bigger Everton Questions
What made the proposed transfer so striking was not simply the size of Nottingham Forest’s offer, but the profile of the player involved. Harrison Armstrong is not a peripheral youngster yet to be tested. He has already begun to establish himself as a serious first-team option, building on the experience he gained after returning from Preston North End last season when Everton’s lack of midfield depth opened the door.
He has…
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