Southampton transfer "fear" involving Adam Armstrong revealed as £6.8m deal nears | OneFootball

Southampton have been handed an Adam Armstrong warning ahead of Damion Downs' arrival

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Southampton are yet to really get going in the transfer window ahead of their upcoming 2025/26 Championship campaign, having appointed Will Still to lead a hopeful return back to the Premier League at the first attempt after suffering relegation.

The Saints have added just Joshua Quarshie to their ranks so far, but are set to make Koln forward Damion Downs their second signing of the summer.

The USMNT attacker will reportedly complete the switch to St Mary’s following his nation’s Gold Cup participation, for a £6.8 million fee.

With Downs inbound, questions have arisen surrounding what current Saints striker will subsequently lose their place in the side.

Adam Armstrong's Southampton exit predicted amid Damion Downs deal

Football League World’s Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, believes that Adam Armstrong could be the player to make way, with the striker reportedly in contention to be sold by the Saints this summer.

FLW asked Martin who he believes could be the most likely to leave in order to make way for the incoming Downs of the Saints' current striker table, which is rather well-stocked at this moment in time.

When asked to pick from Ross Stewart, Cameron Archer, Ben Brereton-Diaz and Armstrong, Martin went with the latter, although he does think it would be risky to let the forward move on.

“It has been rumoured that the club were potentially ready to take offers for Adam Armstrong,” stated Martin.

"So I think that is the man who you will probably see depart if anyone goes this summer.

“I think that's a risky move. Somebody that scored 24 goals in the Championship last time round, crucial to leading the team back to automatic promotion. He splits the fan base; a lot of fans would be happy to see him go.

“I certainly wouldn't. I think Adam Armstrong plays a massive role for Southampton next season. I'd be very disappointed for us to let someone like Arma go, someone that you know could score goals at that level.

“Downs will be new to the country, it's a big move for him and he would have to hit the ground running pretty quickly.

“So, if Southampton want to secure promotion back to the Premier League, they're going to need to find goals quickly and hopefully they don't let Armstrong go, but I fear he might.”

Southampton and Will Still might regret potential Adam Armstrong exit if it's sanctioned

It’s only natural for Southampton to recruit new talent following relegation to the Championship, as they need to make sure their squad is strong enough to fight for promotion immediately.

The 2024/25 Premier League campaign saw the Saints field one of the division’s worst-ever outfits, which makes a complete squad reset understandable.

However, a proven goalscorer is always crucial for success at any level and the South Coast side have one in the form of Armstrong.

The 28-year-old netted 24 goals and provided 13 assists for Southampton as they achieved promotion from the second-tier just one year ago but failed to make a similar impact in the top-flight and was loaned to West Brom.

It may prove tempting for Still and co to sell Armstrong in favour of new blood, but they could come to regret letting a reliable Championship goal threat leave this summer.