Derby County will face an anxious wait in their hunt for the return of Everton loan star, John Eustace must be patient
Derby County are preparing for a very busy summer after they secured their Championship status on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke City.
John Eustace’s arrival at Pride Park sparked a huge upturn in form for the Rams, with 21 points in their final 11 games of the season seeing them overcome a seven point deficit to safety in the space of just two months.
Luton Town dropped into the relegation zone with a 5-3 defeat to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, and Derby can now focus on bringing in new faces in the transfer window as they look to avoid a repeat of this season.
The Rams are showing an interest in Ethan Erhahon from Lincoln City, but supporters will perhaps be more interested in the return of another midfielder after he played a significant role in ensuring that the club did not return to League One at the first time of asking.
Derby County will want to see Harrison Armstrong return, but Everton have their own plans
Harrison Armstrong’s time at Derby was sensational, and after a quiet start he quickly became a mainstay in Eustace’s team, featuring alongside Ebou Adams and Liam Thompson in a midfield three.
According to Alan Nixon, the Rams will have to wait if they are to get hands back on the teenager this summer, however, with Everton wanting to take a good look at his potential before deciding on where he will spend the 2025/26 campaign.
Blackburn Rovers are also showing an interest in him, but Derby fans want to see Armstrong back at Pride Park after the role he played during his 15 games in black-and-white.
The England U18 international could play a role at Bramley Moore Dock if he performs well in pre-season, but at such a young age it may take a little more time before he is fully ready for Premier League football.
Harrison Armstrong may have to be a late arrival for John Eustace
Armstrong has played just 21 games in senior football and only six of those have been with Everton, and while David Moyes may be hoping that he can integrate him straight into the senior squad, it may take a little bit more time.
Eustace will be keen to see the Liverpool-born ace return to the East Midlands in the summer, but like his arrival in the January transfer window, it may happen closer to deadline day and the Rams will have to be patient.
Alongside Adams, whose impact at Derby was colossal, Armstrong has the opportunity to make a name for himself at Pride Park and become one to watch for the future – but patience will be the key as Moyes looks to get his own taste of the midfielder.