Nottingham Forest's ambitious £40 million summer move for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong collapsed following fierce fan backlash at Goodison Park. The 19-year-old England Under-19 international had been granted permission to discuss terms and undergo a medical before the deal was called off.
Forest currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with one point from their opening two matches, having scored twice and conceded three. They face Tottenham Hotspur at home on September 5th, a fixture that appears on our fixtures schedule. The club had identified midfield reinforcements as a priority during the transfer window, which saw them earn £116 million from a player sale to Manchester City.
The proposed transfer sparked immediate and vocal opposition from Everton supporters. During Forest's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, some traveling fans chanted Armstrong's name, but the reaction on Merseyside was far more intense. Toffees supporters said "the club would have a 'riot' on their hands, if a sale went through." This sentiment was echoed on fan forums, with The Grand Old Team calling the potential move "potentially the biggest mistake" of Everton's recent history.
The backlash proved decisive. Everton, facing pressure from their own fanbase, ultimately pulled the plug on the deal despite Forest's substantial financial offer. Armstrong, who made 18 Premier League appearances for Everton, remained at Goodison Park as a result.
With the Armstrong pursuit ended, Nottingham Forest moved to secure other targets. They completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United for £35 million in 2024, adding creativity to their midfield options. The club also brought in Xaver Schlager during the summer window to bolster their engine room.
These acquisitions were part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad following their significant summer income. The £116 million received from Manchester City provided considerable resources, though the failed Armstrong bid shows that financial power alone does not guarantee success in the transfer market.
Steve Cooper's side have taken one point from a possible six at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Their recent form reads DL after a draw and a loss, leaving them five points behind early leaders Manchester City. The team's goal difference stands at minus one, having found the net twice while conceding three times.
This slow start increases the importance of their upcoming home match against Tottenham, who currently occupy 20th position. A positive result could provide momentum before the international break. The full league standings are available on our standings page for ongoing context.
The collapse of the Armstrong deal means Forest's midfield rebuild was only partially completed. While Anderson and Schlager have joined, the club missed out on a highly-rated young English talent they had identified as a key target. Armstrong's profile as a 19-year-old with top-flight experience aligned with Forest's recruitment strategy of investing in potential.
Forest's pursuit demonstrates their willingness to compete financially for promising players, even if external factors can derail such moves. The episode also highlights how fan sentiment at selling clubs can directly influence transfer outcomes in the modern game. The team's next opportunity to improve their league position comes against Tottenham at the City Ground on September 5th.
