Celtic should give it a go and launch an audacious bid to bring Stuart Armstrong back to Parkhead.
Yes you could file it under highly-doubtful. Armstrong of course wanted to test himself in the Premier League, whilst Southampton splashed out £7million to get him in the first place.
But, whether we like admitting it or not, the Hoops haven’t come anywhere near close to replacing Armstrong.
His departure could’ve been foreseen a year in advance too. Celtic had only secured him on a two-year contract back in the summer of 2017. Therefore it was clear he had his eyes on bigger and better things. Olivier Ntcham came in the door, but he doesn’t play with the same pace as Armstrong.
Since the move, it’s been a testing time for former Dundee United man too. He did make 32 appearances for Southampton last season, but only 19 of them were starts. Added to that, he only lasted the full 90 minutes in five games.
His place in the Saints squad has often been a good battle between the likes of himself, James Ward-Prowse, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oriel Romeu respectively. But to say he’s has a big impact down south would be a flat out lie.
Armstrong ended the season with just three goals and two assists. One year previously at Celtic he ended the season with five goals and six assists. The season in which he played most regularly at Parkhead – 2016/2017 – he managed a stunning 17 goals and two assists from midfield.
Armstrong’s best career spell came at Celtic
Armstrong’s best days have been at Parkhead, and his Scotland future could also help him if he came back to Parkhead. The emergence of the likes of John McGinn and Callum McGregor into the international scene could easily push Armstrong down the pecking order. He’s managed to make the squad to face Cyprus and Belgium under Steve Clarke, but a lack of consistent stand-out displays next year could work against him.
Celtic haven’t been linked with a move for him. It doesn’t look as though anything is going to happen in that regard either. But our midfield play has slowed up since Armstrong’s energy was sucked out of the team. Getting him back could help speed up our midfield movement once again.
But Saints would likely see him as a good squad player to keep around next season. Armstrong himself, meanwhile, is unlikely to jump at the chance to leave England after just one year.
It would be worth asking the question to see what’s what here though. If Celtic nabbed Armstrong back it would be a fantastic signing. However, in reality, it would probably be more like a fantasy signing too.
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