Southampton learn glimpses of incoming transfer verdict from West Brom | OneFootball

West Brom fans agree that Adam Armstrong hasn't been good enough for them and don't see him staying there beyond his winter loan.

Tell me, did you realize this yet? We're in that stage of the season where the upcoming summer transfer window is closer to us than the last winter window. Chances are you wouldn't have noted this, given the ongoing turbulent Southampton scenarios.

But thankfully, Saints fans still have plenty to keep them entertained until the end of the season.

Know why? Apart from the mega-rumoured transfers of club stars, Dibling, or Ramsdale, we're soon to hear about the futures of Southampton's ton of loaned players.

Now, I know, you might have the initial brilliant impression of all Saints loanees thriving early on, but that picture has changed, and not for the better.

Take, for instance, the club's Adam Armstrong saga.

In case you forgot, just a couple of weeks ago, Saints fans were buzzing after journalist Graeme Bailey hinted at West Brom making Armstrong’s move permanent.

But, as always with Southampton, happiness was short-lived. West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess has now poured cold water on that hope.

Speaking to Football League World, Burgess said: “While I do still rate him, he's not stepped up during his time at The Hawthorns. I can't really see Albion splashing the cash that would be necessary to sign Armstrong on a permanent basis.”

Ouch. That one hurts for real. After all, Southampton had high hopes to finally get rid of the striker, who hasn't hit for them consistently at all.

Southampton need to rethink Adam Armstrong plan

But, you know what, Southampton can still work themselves out of this uncomfortable Armstrong saga in a smart way.

Given the Saints are to spend a season in the Championship next, why shouldn't they consider employing Armstrong for the campaign? Everybody knows the forward's second-division heroics, especially for the Saints, and can be an instant hit again.

This way, the club can elevate their promotion chances while enhancing the striker's market value for a sale next summer.

Who knows? Maybe this time next year, Saints could pocket even more than the £15m they once splashed on him.