PROMOTED Southampton are releasing five players – including Scottish Euro 2024 midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
The long-time star will not return to the Premier League with the Saints after their Wembley play-off jubilation.
The announcement comes just days before the 32-year-old is due to take part in just his third Scottish Euro.
The Saints are also releasing Jake Vokins, Dynel Simeu, Matt Carson and Luke Pearce.
Armstrong has scored 50 goals in 214 appearances for Southampton since arriving from Celtic in 2018.
The former Dundee United ace, who has won 50 caps, will leave St Mary’s Stadium when his contract expires at the end of this month.
Southampton also revealed that talks are continuing with two other defenders at the club – one of whom is Armstrong’s Scotland team-mate.
Striker Che Adams, 27, played 30 games for the Tartan Army.
Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, 34, is the second experienced player facing an uncertain future.
He won his only England cap in 2018, two years after joining the Saints from Crystal Palace.
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Southampton said the pair are “approaching the end of their contracts, with negotiations ongoing over potential new deals”.
And on Armstrong’s departure, the south coast outfit added: “The club would like to thank Stuart for his commitment and effort during his time as a Saint, and we wish him the best in whatever comes next.”
Russell Martin’s men achieved an instant return to the Prem with a 1-0 final victory over Leeds.
In fact, the victory helped ensure that the Armstrong name will long live in the minds of Saints fans.
Stuart himself didn’t play, but eponymous vocalist Adam did – firing a clincher in the 24th minute.
Russell Martin’s managerial career
MK Dons (2019-21): 80 games, 30 wins, 19 draws, 31 losses – 37.5% win
Swansea (2021 – 23): 99 games, 36 wins, 27 draws, 36 losses – 36% win
Southampton (2023 to present): 54 games, 30 wins, 11 draws, 13 losses – 55.5% win
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