Former Southampton star Stuart Armstrong joins MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps

At the end of the last season, Southampton achieved promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs. Also, Southampton star Stuart Armstrong decided to leave the Saints after spending six years at the St. Mary's Stadium. The 32-year-old joined Southampton from Celtic and made a total of 214 appearances for the club scoring 25 goals.

The midfielder was offered a new Southampton contract, however, the Scottish box-to-box midfielder decided to join a new team in this transfer window. Now, Armstrong has joined Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps as a designated player in their team. Vancouver are currently fifth in the Western Conference and look highly likely to qualify for the MLS playoffs as well. 

Former Southampton star Stuart Armstrong joins MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps

Thus, Whitecaps have signed the proven Premier League midfielder to bolster their midfield in order to perform well in the playoff stages. Whitecaps manager Axel Schuster while talking about the new signing, heaped praise on Armstrong and said, 

"We are very excited to welcome Stuart and his family to Vancouver. He is a player who has excelled for many years at the highest levels in the United Kingdom, as well as internationally with Scotland. He brings experience, tactical awareness, positional flexibility, and a very high work rate."

- Axel Schuster

After the departure of Stuart Armstrong on a free transfer, Southampton signed West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes for a transfer fee of £15 million after a brilliant loan spell at the Saints in the Championship last season. Moreover, Southampton also have brought in Chelsea talent Lesley Ugochukwu on a season long loan and have Joe Aribo in their midfield. Therefore, Russell Martin's side have enough squad depth in the midfield and their young midfield can play a key role throughout this season. 

Now, Southampton are preparing to face Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United in a home fixture at the St. Mary's Stadium. Also, Armstrong can make his Whitecaps debut in the next match against Dallas this week.