It was formally confirmed by Southampton FC this evening that the former Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong will depart the club following the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.
Armstrong joined the Saints from Celtic in 2018 and has made 214 appearances over six seasons, scoring 25 goals during his time at the club. He played an important part in helping Southampton return to the Premier League, making 45 appearances during last campaign.
Invincible
Armstrong scored the equaliser for Celtic in the 2017 Scottish Cup Final before Tom Rogic scored that magical winner to complete a proper Invincible season. Yet the Stuart Armstrong goal that day was hugely important, coming just moments after Jonny Hayes had given Aberdeen the lead.
And while he always had one eye on moving to play in the Premier League, Armstrong decided to stick around for another season, such was the respect he had for Brendan Rodgers.
Armstrong has options in Italy
It is unknown where Armstrong will choose to play his football next season but hopefully he still has many good days ahead of him and by all accounts he has numerous options including in Italy.
Armstrong made 98 appearances for Celtic after joining the Glasgow side in January 2015. He scored on his debut and went on to net 23 times during his time in the Hoops. He departed for £7m at the end of the 17/18 season after securing a second successive treble with the club.
Would Brendan Rodgers reckon that there’s a season left in Armstrong to perhaps play the Aaron Mooy role that worked so well in Ange’s second campaign as Celtic manager.
It would also mean one of Celtic’s best songs for a player coming home.
Jessica Elliott
Would you… https://t.co/wbk8WUpRpN
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) June 4, 2024
“He scores belters all the time” 💔
Thank you, Stuart Armstrong #Saintsfc pic.twitter.com/iVUyKjpGSK
— Mahmoud (@Mahmoud_SFC) June 4, 2024
Bring him home … he has so much to offer….