Southampton have confirmed that Stuart Armstrong will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of June.
The club published their retained list following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, in which they stated that Stuart Armstrong will depart the club.
Interestingly, there was no confirmation on whether fellow out of contract players Che Adams and Alex McCarthy would join him in leaving, with the club website saying:
“Long-serving goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and striker Che Adams are also approaching the end of their contracts, with talks ongoing regarding potential new deals.”
Armstrong was Southampton‘s oldest outfield player in the squad at 32 and his quality and experience will be missed.
With 25 goals and 19 assists across six years at the club according to Transfermarket, as well as 45 appearances in the 2023/24 season, Armstrong will leave a big void as Southampton’s most creative midfielder.
Therefore, here are three players who could replace Armstrong at Southampton.
Callum O’Hare could be free Stuart Armstrong replacement
The first player is Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare.
Like Armstrong, O’Hare is out of contract this summer and there has been no indication of the former Aston Villa player signing a new deal.
Despite being out injured from Boxing Day 2022 until late October of this season, O’Hare scored ten goals and provided four assists in all competitions in 2023/24, with his heroics in Coventry’s run to the FA Cup semi-final attracting attention.
The 26-year-old looks destined for the Premier League this summer and Southampton could be wise to wrap up a deal for him to replace Armstrong as the most advanced member of the midfield three.
Jobe Bellingham could make Southampton move
Another player who could fill the Armstrong void is Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham.
Younger brother of Jude, Jobe is a very talented player in his own right and has just enjoyed a fruitful first season at Sunderland having made the move from Birmingham City last summer.
At 18, he is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of experience when compared to Armstrong, but his seven goals and one assist in the Championship this season demonstrate his enormous potential.
Southampton are reported to be interested in the attacking midfielder but will not be alone in their pursuit, with the likes of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur also considering a bid.
Bellingham would be significantly more expensive than O’Hare, with Sunderland rumoured to be after a fee of over £20 million for his services.
Adam Lallana could replace Armstrong experience
Southampton have a very young squad and the value of experience in their bid to retain their Premier League status next season should not be understated.
With that in mind, reports of a potential return to the club where it all started for Adam Lallana make a lot of sense.
At 36, Lallana is in the twilight of his career but he still has a lot to give.
According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder played 30 games in all competitions for Brighton this season and whilst he only registered one assist and did not score his 291 Premier League games show his experience.
A Premier League and Champions League winner, Lallana has seen it all and has confirmed he is departing Brighton upon the expiration of his contract in a few weeks’ time.
Former Brighton teammate Alexis Mac Allister was full of praise for the veteran in November 2022, as he said: “He’s (Lallana’s) fantastic on and off the pitch and he’s so important for the team.
“When he speaks, everyone listens and that’s the respect everyone has for him. He’s a fantastic player, a fantastic lad and he deserves all the best because he lives football.”
Lallana will not be able to play every game, but if used sparingly could be a real asset.
Given Lallana’s age, it could make sense for Southampton to pursue two players in this area of the pitch if they do sign the 36-year-old.