Chris Sutton has been assessing potential Celtic reunions this summer and has singled out Stuart Armstrong as a realistic signing possibility.
Several quality former Celtic stars are thought to be ready for transfer moves over the next few months but Sutton has poured cold water on the idea of bringing Odsonne Edouard and Kieran Tierney back to the club.
The pundit reckons they are now in a transfer world beyond Celtic’s capabilities despite both of them becoming massive favourites in Glasgow.
However, the idea of Armstrong coming back to the Scottish Premiership has piqued Sutton’s interest.
He says the former Southampton man, who is currently without a club, would be a positive pick-up for Brendan Rodgers.
Chris Sutton on Stuart Armstrong
The former Bhoys striker said [Daily Record]: “Armstrong is a free agent and that could balance out some of the issues over wages. But he is another one who won’t be short of offers this summer. He has been a very good player for Southampton and I’d expect a queue of clubs at the top end of the Championship who would love to have him on board.
“Armstrong might be 32 years old now, but he looks after himself and has plenty left in the tank. He would be a very good signing for Celtic, perhaps one that could fill the void left by Aaron Mooy last year. I’ve said before that we shouldn’t assume Matt O’Riley is going, but Celtic will still need another attacking midfielder.
“Talks are ongoing with Paulo Bernardo and if they can land him from Benfica at a knockdown price, then it would be smart business. As for Armstrong, a ready-made player would be an attractive prospect, especially on a free, but is he someone the club would push the boat out to land?
“He’s not a player that fits the young developmental model, but you do need to add experience at times – like we saw with Joe Hart.”
Armstrong played his best football under Rodgers
The Scotland international, who is on his way to the EURO 2024 tournament with his country, has done well since leaving the Bhoys but his 2016/17 season working under Rodgers still remains the high watermark of his career.
He scored 17 goals in all competitions in that Invincible treble season, something like the impact we’ve witnessed from Matt O’Riley this term. Rodgers knows how to get a tune out of him.
His future is unlikely to be decided until after his trip to Germany so this one will run for a bit. There’s also no indication Celtic are keen on signing him. But as free agents go, Armstrong is one of the most useful that the Bhoys could go after this summer.
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