Southampton supporters were left delighted as Adam Armstrong committed his future to the club, with manager Russell Martin now reacting to this news.
Southampton have been extremely busy in preparation for their return to the Premier League.
Russell Martin has signed eight new players this summer, including permanent deals for Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes following their loans while Adam Lallana returned to St Mary’s.
Martin has also had to deal with some contract situations, recently telling supporters that Che Adams is yet to sign a new deal despite placing a ‘brilliant’ offer on the table.
Adams’ contract on the South Coast expired in June, and although it looks like he’ll leave for good, one player who has committed his future to the club is strike partner Adam Armstrong.
Russell Martin reacts after Adam Armstrong signs new Southampton contract
The club announced on Friday that Armstrong signed a new three-year contract at Southampton.
It was just reward for the 27-year-old, who has been completely transformed as a player under Martin, ending last term as the Championship’s top scorer with 21 goals while laying on 13 assists.
Armstrong was an unstoppable force in the second tier and will hope to translate that form across to the top flight, where he’s previously encountered struggles.
The Englishman has netted just four times in 68 appearances however, he’s completely a different player under Martin, who believes he can be just as ‘important’ in the Premier League as he was in the Championship.
Dubbing his pressing as ‘relentless’ and the sacrifices he makes for the team as ‘outstanding’, the Saints boss told the official club website: “Arma has been such a huge player for us since we came to the club last summer. As someone who had lived through the pain of the previous season, it was clear he had a fire in his eyes and a determination to put that right.
“Even looking beyond his amazing numbers in terms of goals and assists, his relentless desire to press the opposition and willingness to play in different positions, sacrificing himself for his teammates, are outstanding attributes that speak volumes for his character.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure his future with us, and I have no doubts he will be just as important to us in the Premier League as he was in the Championship.”
Adam Armstrong has a vital role to play in the Premier League
Armstrong proved he could handle the responsibility of being the main man at Southampton as he decimated the Championship with his goal-scoring and exceptional creative numbers.
The biggest challenge for the Newcastle-born striker, though, has always been translating that level of impact across to the Premier League.
During his time at Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21, Armstrong scored 28 goals but then only managed a measly four strikes in the following two campaigns.
Judging by what we saw from him last term, the versatile forward is a more complete player under Martin than he was previously and regardless of whether he produces the numbers, he’ll certainly deliver off the ball with his pressing and willingness to create space for his teammates.
Despite how good he was last season, it does seem a risk to rely on just him producing the goods, which is why Martin is keen on adding another striker, especially if Adams leaves.