Everton have rejected Nottingham Forest’s £40 million bid for teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong, avoiding a potential backlash from supporters against owners The Friedkin Group.
News that Forest had made an offer for the gifted 19-year-old, and that Everton were considering it, triggered an immediate response from fans. Supporters were angered by the possibility of the club selling its best homegrown player in years.
Everton reject Forest approach for Harrison Armstrong
After a dramatic day on and off the field, Everton’s board, led by chairman and billionaire owner Dan Friedkin, unanimously decided to reject Forest’s proposal and keep Armstrong.
Everton supporters made their views clear during the club’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. The reaction was so loud and hostile that it is certain to have been heard by Everton’s delegation at The Vitality Stadium before being relayed to the club’s hierarchy in the United States.
It is highly unlikely to be a coincidence that a deal which appeared to be progressing was subsequently halted.
The decision will also reassure manager David Moyes, whose post-match mood at Bournemouth appeared ominous. Moyes will now retain a young player considered a key part of Everton’s future.
Everton fans may reluctantly accept that important players could be taken by Champions League clubs, but the prospect of Nottingham Forest doing the same intensified their anger.
Forest are one of Everton’s rivals, and supporters would expect their club to surpass them rather than strengthen them by selling one of its crown jewels.
For The Friedkin Group, rejecting the bid represents a public relations catastrophe avoided.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
