The summer always generates plenty of interest among Celtic supporters regarding potential additions at Parkhead.
With the window only a week away from officially opening for business, transfer speculation is already rife as Brendan Rodgers looks to add quality to his squad.
Although there is no explicit admiration to speak of, plenty of discussion among fans has emerged following the release of Premier League clubs’ retained lists earlier this week. Several recognisable names are now on the market for free, including some individuals who have previously been linked with a switch to the Hoops.
Among the out-of-contract assets ready for a new challenge is Stuart Armstrong, who spent three successful years in Glasgow before departing for Southampton in 2018, and his availability has generated debate among the Parkhead faithful regarding a potential return.
Although no admiration from Celtic has been mentioned by any reputable source, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Scotland international making a surprise comeback from a theoretical perspective.
The advantages of a potential Stuart Armstrong return to Celtic
Armstrong enjoyed a productive time at Celtic, registering 28 goals and 25 assists in 144 appearances for the club, winning eight trophies along the way [Transfermarkt].
Since leaving for Southampton, the 32-year-old made a lasting impression on the South Coast, becoming a trusted member of sides in both the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship, featuring 214 times, scoring on 25 occasions and laying on 19 goals for his teammates.
Fundamentally, the main advantages of having Armstrong back at Celtic would be his experience, homegrown status and the fact Rodgers already holds a successful pre-existing relationship with the midfielder.
Proven winners are hard to come by, and the fact he wouldn’t cost a penny is advantageous financially. Meanwhile, the chance to fill an ‘association-trained’ player slot for the Bhoys’ forthcoming Champions League involvement is also appealing.
There is also the reality that Celtic could lose Matt O’Riley this summer amid his excellent performances across 2023/24 that have attracted high-profile interest from elsewhere.
Nobody is suggesting Armstrong could be a like-for-like replacement in that event, but he did play 45 times this term, hitting double-figure G/A, dispelling any notion that he may be slowing down any time soon.
Bodies in the engine room are important to manage the stress of a gruelling campaign, and there is plenty of opportunity for rotation at Parkhead.
The cons of Stuart Armstrong making a Celtic comeback
Moving on to the other side of the debate, there would be a feeling of short-termism to any prospective deal. Armstrong is 32, the same age as Aaron Mooy when he joined Celtic; however, how long would he be able to last, one, two, even three years?
There isn’t an answer to that, but the lack of sell-on value presents another drawback. On a same token, the Hoops have followed a policy of recruiting young talent with the potential to develop into future stars.
Experience is all good, but he possesses a completely different profile, not one that stereotypically fits the club model. Memories of his first spell are largely very positive, but you would be acquiring a footballer who may have to refine their game down the line to avoid the onset of any age-based decline.
In conclusion, I think Armstrong is a model professional who is still more than capable of playing at a high level for some time to come, and if he were to be signed again, there is no doubt he could make a significant contribution under Rodgers.
However, Celtic should be aiming for a younger player to fill that role. That isn’t a slight against the man in question; it would just make more sense to have someone capable of making a profit in two or three years.