Chris Sutton has given his thoughts on a possible Celtic move for this departing Southampton player.
Southampton look set to clear the decks this summer, with players leaving as free agents, and others likely to be sold on.
The Saints released recently their retained list in which they’ve let go several periphery names, including Jake Vokins, Dynel Simeu, Matt Carson, and Luke Pearce.
Elsewhere, first-team duo Alex McCarthy and Che Adams are both out of contract, and the club are still engaged talks over their futures at St Mary’s.
Both have Premier League suitors though with Adams especially looking like he’ll seal a Premier League switch 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.