"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star | OneFootball

"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star | OneFootball

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·22 January 2025

"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star

Article image:"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star

Carlton Palmer gave his views on Burnley's chase of Stuart Armstrong.

Carlton Palmer has admitted to Football League World that he believes Stuart Armstrong would be an 'astute' addition to the Burnley squad.


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The Clarets have been in fine form this season, with their defence a particular standout - having only conceded nine goals in 27 games.

However, there are still quarrels as to whether they have enough creativity in the side. This has seen them target former Southampton midfielder Armstrong, who is currently playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS.

Having made the move to Canada just four months ago, it would mark a quick turnaround for the Scotsman if he were to return to English football at the first time of asking.

Nevertheless, he would be a superb addition for Burnley, with the 32-year-old experiencing promotion from the Championship last season.

Carlton Palmer backs Burnley to sign Armstrong

Article image:"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Palmer stated that although Armstrong is entering the latter stages of his career, he can see the attraction in trying to sign him.

"It is an interesting one, given his age," said the former England international.

"He is 32-years-old and went to Vancouver Whitecaps, but I can see why Scott Parker would be attracted to bringing him in on a short-term deal.

"He did really well at Southampton and was very involved with the Saints in helping them get promoted via the play-off final.

"We have already seen them bring in Ashley Barnes at the beginning of January, as well as John Egan and Joe Worrall, who all bring experience. He has also just signed Jonjo Shelvey. I know people will look at what happens when you get promoted, but you have to get up first, and it will be a tough ask. Sheffield United and Leeds are very strong.

"He is signing them on short-term deals, so he doesn’t have them for long payments, and experience is crucial. As we've seen with Ashley Barnes, he can bring that promotion know-how.

"I think it would be an astute piece of business, and he (Parker) is making a strong squad in the hope that this experience can help get them over the line.

"It is a strange one for me, though. He has got a lot of players who can play where Armstrong plays, but his experience might just help them get over the line this season."

Stuart Armstrong can follow Burnley's winter-window plan

Article image:"It is a strange one" - Pundit reacts as Burnley FC eye ex-Southampton star

Prior to this January, Burnley Chairman Alan Pace emphasised his commitment to signing young and emerging talent, bringing several promising players to Turf Moor.

While this has earned them plenty of monetary gain, whether their young side are up to second-tier promotion remains unclear. However, with the experienced additions of Egan, Barnes, Shelvey and Worrall, you feel they have a suitable amount of knowledge in the dressing room now to fire them towards that top two.

Combined, this quartet have achieved seven promotions from the second tier, and Armstrong would bring an additional one if he were to be added to the squad.

Furthermore, the 32-year-old could provide valuable guidance to young players like Jaidon Anthony and Jeremy Sarmiento, who have struggled to deliver consistent performances this year.

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