Scotland International signs for Hearts and Hibs' rivals as former Celtic star moves back to SPFL Premiership
After leaving Sheffield Wednesday towards the end of last season, a Scottish Premiership side have taken advantage of his free-agent status
As transfer season draws to a close following Deadline Day on Monday, Scottish clubs are still able to acquire the signatures of players that are free agents. The latest team to sign a player without a club is Aberdeen, as Jimmy Thelin tries to bolster his squad for the upcoming Europa Conference League.
Scotland International, Stuart Armstrong found himself without a club over the summer, as the midfielder left Sheffield Wednesday towards the end of last season. There was speculation that the former Celtic and Dundee United man could be headed back to The Owls this summer, however with the ongoing financial crisis at Hillsborough, the deal fell through.
Compared to Hearts and Hibs, Aberdeen have had a poor start to the season as they sit rock-bottom of the Premiership table, yet to earn a single point. As the Edinburgh sides look to challenge the Old Firm this season, the late-window, quality additions from Thelin symbolise a statement of intent that The Dons also want to finish ‘best of the rest’.
Armstrong ‘delighted’ with Granite City move
Stuart Armstrong will join Aberdeen on a two-year deal, just days after they signed Swedish International, Jesper Karlsson on loan. After spending the best part of seven years playing in England, the 33-year old can’t wait to start playing football north of the border again.
In a club statement, he said: “These things always happen fast but I am delighted to be here. I’ve not been back to the city for a long time so it’s nice to come back full circle in a football sense which is nice.
“It’s a good footballing decision for me to come here. It’s a chance for me to play competitive, challenging football and the lure of playing in Europe is exciting. I hope I can add something to the team and help us achieve something special together.”
Thelin impressed by Armstrong’s ‘talent and experience’
Aberdeen boss, Jimmy Thelin was clearly overjoyed with the Armstrong signing, particularly with the experience of the Scotland International. During his time at Celtic, the midfielder won four Scottish titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
Thelin said: “We have been tracking Stuart for some time, and we are so pleased to be able to add a player of his talent and experience to our group. He has had an impressive career at the top level of the game, and we hope he can act as another leader in our squad.
“With such a busy schedule coming up, we want to drive competition in all areas of the park who can bring different attributes to how we play. We also have several very talented young prospects and having a core of experienced players from Scotland to help them develop has always been part of our strategy.”
After spending six years at Southampton during his time down south, Armstrong also gained some valuable experience playing at the top level of English football. He has also been an ever-present for Steve Clarke in the Scotland National Team, featuring over fifty times for his country.
Next up for The Dons will be Livingston at Pittodrie after the International break, where Aberdeen fans will be hoping to see their new additions in action.