“I just can’t really see it happening” – Middlesbrough fan pundit reacts as 25-year-old linked with loan switch

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…

Middlesbrough have been linked with a loan move for Southampton attacker Adam Armstrong this summer, per Graeme Bailey.

The 25-year-old joined the Saints last summer from Blackburn Rovers in a £15 million deal, having scored 28 goals in 40 Championship appearances in the 2020-21 season.

Armstrong though could not transfer that form to the top flight of English football, scoring just twice in 23 outings, with 16 of those being starts under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Due to his inconsistent form in the Premier League, Boro and Chris Wilder are looking to bring the striker back to the second tier next season, with the Teessiders desperately needing to re-inforce their attacking options going into the 2022-23 campaign.

Despite acknowledging his talents, FLW’s Boro fan pundit Dana Malt does not think a move for Armstrong will come off.

“I can’t see Boro signing Armstrong,” Dana admitted.

“I’m not surprised we’re interested, I mean who wouldn’t be, considering the last time he was in the Championship and the fact he’s not getting a game for Southampton probably means that a lot of clubs are looking with a keen interest.

“But I just can’t really see it happening to be honest.

“I think it would depend what Southampton do in the window because I know they don’t really have a lot of options up-front, so I would assume they’d keep Adam Armstrong there for now, just as an option because I know they don’t have too many of those.”

The Verdict

If Armstrong was made available for a loan this summer, then all the top Championship