Celtic believed they had a deal to secure the future services of Stuart Armstrong nearly four months ago. Fast forward to him actually signing a new deal and there’s very little certainty gained over his future at the club.
With just this season left on his current deal, Celtic at least secured a two-year deal for Armstrong’s services according to the BBC.
But, call me underwhelmed in hearing the deal is just for two seasons. I mean, who can blame the guy for wanting to cash in after scoring 17 of his 25 career Hoops goals last season?
Instead, Armstrong seemingly overplayed his market value and couldn’t force a meaningful transfer. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and eventually decided a short-term deal at his current club would have to suffice.
The 25-year-old appeared ready to sign a long-term deal back in May, but a few months later and rumored interest from clubs in England and suddenly Armstrong was seeing dollar signs elsewhere.
I know its the nature of the business to explore all avenues and maximize your earnings potential. But, if you were really sure in your decision to stay at Celtic, the contract signed at 25 years of age seems like the crossroads kind of deal.
Either commit fully to the club you are at or take off for the opportunities that may exist elsewhere. Instead, this seems like a deal that Armstrong isn’t too keen on really.
It feels like he signed it with the hopes of working behind the scenes to move away from the club as soon as possible.
A two-year deal is hardly committing your footballing future to the club. Instead, it is walking the thin line. On one hand you can continue to extend the deal if things go well and on the other you can continue to work on leaving the club without a lot of downside.
That’s exactly what I took away from this deal, especially when you read the statement released by Armstrong following the signing of the deal:
"“It has been an honour to play for a club of such stature,” he added. “I have enjoyed a great relationship with our supporters and we have achieved a high level of success, something it has been great to be part of.“I’m pleased this new contract has been agreed and I’m looking forward very much to working with the manager, our staff and my team-mates to bring the club and our fans even more success.”"
Anyone else find that statement bland and devoid of a real passion for the club? It was about as cookie-cutter and safe a released statement as possible.
That’s not to suggest Armstrong doesn’t mean what he said, it is to suggest there’s little passion behind the statement.
I have a sneaky feeling it won’t be much longer before Armstrong isn’t wearing the Hoops. After all, Olivier Ntcham seems to be doing a great Stuart Armstrong impression and actually wants to be in here for a little while longer.
Next: Celtic's UCL success trickling down to rest of SPFL
Let’s hope these feelings are all sorts of wrong, but the cynic in me says Armstrong is gone by the end of the transfer window next summer if not before.