Southampton are reportedly open to the sale of Adam Armstrong this summer, in a surprising decision that new Saints manager Will Still could make as he looks to reshape the playing staff at St Mary’s ahead of the upcoming campaign. This is according to reliable source Football League World.
Following his arrival on the South Coast from Blackburn, Armstrong wasn’t exactly the instant success Southampton were looking for in the Premier League. But in the 2023/24 campaign, the English striker was a lethal finisher that very few defensive lines could keep quiet as he helped Southampton gain an instant return back to the top flight through the play-offs.
However, with Still prepared to allow Armstrong to depart, and the Scotsman far from at his best just yet, here are three clubs that he could end up at if he does end up leaving the Saints this transfer window.
Ipswich Town
Following previous links with a move to Suffolk, the chances of Armstrong arriving at Portman Road could be significantly increased as the Tractor Boys look to add to their attacking options following the departure of Liam Delap to Chelsea, leaving just George Hirst and the minimally experienced Ali Al-Hamadi as their attacking options.
McKenna’s Ipswich joined Southampton in relegation back to the Championship, and although the signing of Armstrong may seem fairly unambitious, it would actually be a perfect move for the Scottish attacker.
Last season, Armstrong thrived in a slick, passing style of play with the Saints, and his scintillating attacking record in the Championship may fall within the criteria for Ipswich, who are looking to chase an instant return back toward the Premier League Stage.
Although the move may seem right on an attributes level, it would be hard to see Southampton selling Armstrong to a direct promotion threat. However, if Ipswich can get the price right, it would take some massive pressure off the shoulders in the hunt for attacking quality.
Stoke City
With the experience of Mark Robins now in charge at Stoke, a move for Adam Armstrong wouldn’t be completely off the cards, and it would actually be a smart signing for the Potters as they look to ready up for the 2025/2026 season.
The pair are both known for having time at Coventry City, but didn’t quite cross paths at the Sky Blues, with Robins arriving in the Midlands just a year after Armstrong spent the season on loan. However, it could well be a match-up that was meant to be, and Stoke could well benefit massively if they were to make a swoop for the English attacker.
Mark Robins is highly known for getting the best out his striking forces, and his most notable is Viktor Gyokeres, who has gone on to hit big things after his time at Coventry City with Robins in charge.
Could Armstrong be the next star attacking product of the Stoke boss? It is possible, but the prospect of playing for a side that were in a relegation battle may not be the ideal destination for the player himself.
Bristol City
Following the departure of long-serving legend Nahki Wells, Bristol City are now in the hunt to secure another versatile attacker that can fit into their system, and Adam Armstrong certainly brings his worth to the table.
Wells managed to score just shy of 50 goals in his 5-and-a-half year stay in the South West, becoming a vital part of many managers’ squad selection with The Robins.
Following on from his departure, there will be a large scale search for a replacement of similar pedigree, and Armstrong certainly could be part of said list, bringing attacking threat, pace and power along the wings and also being able to operate in central roles that have seen him net many goals at the Championship level.
The Robins arguably need a creator and a scorer, and with the English Saint set to go onto the market Bristol City should really be considering a transfer move, with the Robins looking for another play-off chase in the upcoming campaign
There are plenty of decisions to be made, but where should Adam Armstrong head to if he does leave Southampton? Let us know in the comments below.
