SAINTS manager Russell Martin has not discussed contract extensions with Stuart Armstrong.
Armstrong is one of four Southampton players whose contracts are coming to an end in the next six months, joining Che Adams, Alex McCarthy, and Joe Lumley.
After a rough period under numerous managers, the 31-year-old has underlined how much he enjoys playing under Martin.
Martin downplayed his role in convincing the Scot to sign a new contract, stating that his job is to make players “feel like they belong.”
When asked if Armstrong is content to stay at Southampton until the conclusion of the season, Martin replied, “I believe so.”
“There will be a lot more conversations this month.” That is something I try to avoid. My conversations with Stu are to check in and see how he’s doing.
“I check to see if he’s having fun, if he needs anything else from us, or if he needs less. I like talking to Stu.
“My job is to make the players feel like they belong, like they are a part of something they can enjoy, and to enable them to put their best selves on the field.”
“I think Stuey has been amazing for us and from where he was at the very start of the season to where he is now, I’m really proud of him.”It took him a long time to get there after a difficult year or two.”
“Unless he comes to me and tells me he’s unhappy with the situation or wants it to change, then we’ll keep him and us giving each other everything,” Martin continued.
“I have a really good relationship with the players, and they will be honest about how they are feeling.” Che is the same way. We’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”
A January sale for Adams would allow the Saints to recoup some money while also preventing him from leaving for free in the summer if he does not sign a new contract.
However, it would mean losing their second-highest goal scorer this season at a time when Kamaldeen Sulemana, Sam Edozie, and Ross Stewart are all out injured.
When questioned if it would be cheaper to keep Adams rather than find a successor, Martin said, “It depends on how you look at it.”
“It can be quite costly if someone comes along and offers really good money for Che and you turn it down when he has six months left on his contract.”
“That’s between the ownership group and Jason.” I can express my thoughts on several issues. It’s also heavily dependent on Che.
“I made a blunder by leaving Che out of the team against Norwich.” He was in such a great mood. He’d made two out of two. It was my fault, and I told him so.
“When he came on, he played really well. He’s been fantastic; he looks free, he plays with good intensity, he’s getting shots from everywhere, and he presses like a beast.
“As long as he gives us that, we will be good.”
