Rangers FC

‘Elite’ ex-Celtic ace finds new home: contract length, why they signed Scotland star, and the club’s Rangers connections

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2024

The Scotland international has joined two former Rangers players in making a surprise switch to the Major Soccer League (MLS) club. Stuart Armstrong will become the third Scottish international to play in the MLS this season after signing a two-year contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 32-year-old midfielder, a former Celtic title winner, will team up with Scotland’s Ryan Gauld and join the Canadian club on a free transfer after being released from newly promoted Southampton in June.

Brought to the south coast from the Scottish champions back in 2018 for a fee of £7million, Armstrong brought down the curtain on his time his six-year say St. Mary’s during the summer and was loosely linked with moves to Fiorentina and the Hoops, while he also spent time on trial with English Premier League side Brentford. However, he has now completed a surprise move across the pond to sign for Vancouver Whitecaps instead.

“We are very excited to welcome Stuart and his family to Vancouver,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster. “He is a player who has excelled for many years at the highest levels in the United Kingdom, as well as internationally with Scotland. He brings experience, tactical awareness, positional flexibility, and a very high work rate. In addition, his passing range and elite chance creation from the midfield position will add another dimension to our team’s overall attack.”

The Whitecaps are one point ahead of sixth place Portland Timbers in the MLS Western Conference division, which has them on course to reach the MLS playoffs with just nine games left in the regular season. Armstrong could make his debut this weekend, with the Canadian side facing FC Dallas at their home ground of BC Place, and the midfielder not involved in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Poland and Portugal.

The move means Armstrong will link up with Gauld and join fellow Scotland and New York Red Bulls star Lewis Morgan in the MLS this year, while he also follows in the footsteps of former Rangers players Kenny Miller and Fraser Aird, who have also featured for the Whitecaps in the past.

Celtic confirm summer exit as prospect completes move to Scottish Championship side

Regarding incomings and outgoings, Celtic’s transfer activity is starting to take form.

As players figure out the best path for their careers, changes will start to show at all levels, especially for young prospects eager to make a name for themselves in the professional game of football.

Prodigious Celtic talent has found it difficult to make the first squad, and after spending time at Lennoxtown, several players move on to acquire crucial experience.

The Bhoys have revealed that one of their prospects is going on to a new challenge ahead of the upcoming campaign, and the summer window is well started.

Magnus MacKenzie joins Queens Park after leaving Celtic
After spending seven years in the academy stadium, young Magnus MacKenzie has now permanently transferred to Queens Park, according to confirmation from Celtic B’s official X account earlier today.

“The setup at Queen’s Park looks brilliant, and after listening to the plans for the future, I was very impressed,” he said in reference to Queens Park FC. As soon as I learnt that I had the option, I wanted to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

I have been at Celtic since I was young and received a great grounding in the game. Being there was a great learning experience, and I am looking to build on that at Queen’s Park.”

Former Celtic B manager Tommy McIntyre is now Academy Director at Queens Park and reacted to the versatile left-sided man’s switch across Glasgow, where he has signed a two-year deal.

McIntyre said: “Magnus is a top young player with plenty of talent. I worked with him when he was at Celtic, and I know what his capabilities are and what we are getting. He can play left-back and left wing-back, and we are lucky to get hold of him. Magnus is one that will be pushing for the First Team before long.”

Encouragingly, McKenzie will have some familiar faces to lean on at his new club, which will help him settle in nicely. Hopefully, he can go on to have a prosperous career after working his way through the ranks at Celtic. Best of luck, Magnus!