Chris Sutton has shared his opinions about a potential Celtic acquisition for this Southampton star who is leaving.
This summer, Southampton appears to be clearing the decks as players are expected to be sold off and go as free agents.
The Saints just made public their retained list, which included the release of several peripheral players like Luke Pearce, Matt Carson, Jake Vokins, and Dynel Simeu.
The club is now in negotiations with the first team’s Alex McCarthy and Che Adams on their futures at St Mary’s because their contracts are about to expire.
Both have suitors in the Premier League, but Adams appears to be the most likely to sign a deal this summer.
Another name released by Southampton this summer is Stuart Armstrong; the Scot joined in 2018 and has since made 214 total appearances for the Saints.
The 32-year-old featured 42 times in the Championship last season, scoring five and assisting seven more but missing the final six games through injury.
Chris Sutton on Stuart Armstrong Celtic return ahead of Southampton release
Southampton signed Armstrong from Celtic. The 44-time Scotland international previously made 144 appearances for the Scottish giants.
Some Celtic fans online have speculated about a possible return for the midfielder, and now pundit Chris Sutton has commented on the matter.
Sutton has written for Daily Record, saying that Armstrong ‘won’t be short of offers this summer’ and that he’d ‘expect a queue of clubs at the top end of the Championship’ to want to sign Armstrong.
But Sutton suggests that Armstrong would be ‘a very good signing’ for Celtic despite his age, adding that clubs need a blend of youth and experience.
Recent reports have also revealed that Fulham are potentially interested in signing Armstrong on a free transfer this summer.
Would Celtic be a good move for Stuart Armstrong ahead of Southampton release
It will have been a difficult decision for Southampton to part ways with Armstrong this summer; he’s been a great servant and he’s just enjoyed arguably one of his better seasons with the club.
But returning to the Premier League, Russell Martin will know that he needs an upgrade in terms of quality, and he’ll also want to usher in a new generation of younger Southampton players.
Like Sutton says, Armstrong will have plenty of interest, likely from clubs in the Championship after his impressive goals and assists tally in 2023/24.
But at 32, a return to Celtic could be a nice chapter to see out his career. Although he’s showing no signs of slowing down, Armstrong’s next contract may well be his last, so he’ll certainly take time to weigh up his next move.
With Premier League interest from Fulham, it’ll be a difficult decision for the Scot, who could yet come back to haunt Southampton next season if he seals a move to another Premier League side.
