Stuart Armstrong has been one of the more interesting offseason stories for Celtic. At the end of last season a new contract and a renewed dedication to the club seemed obvious.
After all, there was just a year left on his deal and he talked all second half of last season of wanting to stay in the Hoops.
But, his exploits in a central attacking role from the midfield had him seeing dollar (or is it pound) signs. Rather than sign an extension at Parkhead, Armstrong has played the long game this summer and Celtic are none too happy about it.
In fact, they went out and signed direct competition for him in the form of Olivier Ntcham. That move has proven to be a good one, as Ntcham has come right in the side and fit in well with the squad.
Some dare say he’s a better overall option than Armstrong, and they would be right at this point.
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Now a report in the Daily Record indicates that Southampton, currently the home of ex-Celtic star Virgil Van Dijk, are interested in a move for Armstrong. The reported fee they are willing to pay is £3 million.
Yes, I said £3 million…for Stuart freaking Armstrong.
Let’s go back to the beginning of last season, shall we? Would any of us fathom a £1.5 million offer from another club for Armstrong? Highly unlikely.
This was a guy on the fringe of former manager Ronny Deila’s club and an afterthought just last summer. Yet, a change in management proved exactly what Armstrong needed.
He finished the season with a career high in goals (15 in SPFL action), and added seven assists. I mean, he put up all but five of his Celtic career total in one season and wasn’t really known as goal-scoring threat on his move from Dundee United ahead of the 2015 season.
Credit him with the turnaround last season, and who would begrudge him the chance to cash in on an opportunity seized last season? Talk about perfect timing on his part.
Yet, Celtic have proved one thing so far this early in the season — Armstrong isn’t the end all, be all player he was for us last season.
With no guarantee of the Champions League group stage, an extra £3 million in the coffers wouldn’t hurt either.
No matter what actually happens, it is time for Armstrong to stop jerking Celtic around. If he balks at the next move from the Celtic board, they’d be stupid not to immediately turn around and get him to Southampton as fast as possible.
One hit wonders are a dime a dozen, and Armstrong appears to be that more than anything else at this point.
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It’s time for Celtic to do a smart bit of business.