Whitecaps FC Sign Scottish International Midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Designated Player Contract

September 3, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Scottish international midfielder Stuart Armstrong to a Major League Soccer Designated Player contract through 2026.

“We are very excited to welcome Stuart and his family to Vancouver,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “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.”

Whitecaps FC midfielder Stuart Armstrong

Four-time Scottish Premiership Champion with Celtic FC (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)

Two-time Scottish FA Challenge Cup Champion with Celtic FC (2016/17, 2017/18)

Two-time Scottish League Cup Champion with Celtic FC (2016/17, 2017/18)

2023/24 EFL Championship Promotion Playoff Final Winner with Southampton FC

Three PFA Scotland Team of the Year selections (2013/14, 2014/15, 2016/17)

508 appearances at the professional club level

51 caps with Scotland’s men’s national team, including four appearances across EURO 2020 and 2024

“I am extremely happy to be here in Vancouver and begin this new chapter of my career in MLS,” added Armstrong. “My family and I are excited to live in such a beautiful and unique city. We look forward to enjoying our time ahead. Go ‘Caps!”

Armstrong, 32, has spent the past six seasons playing with English side Southampton FC, including five seasons in the Premier League. The native of Inverness, Scotland started 143 of his 214 appearances across all competitions for the club, scoring 25 goals and adding 19 assists. During the 2023/24 season, Armstrong recorded five goals and seven assists in EFL Championship play as he helped the Saints secure promotion to the Premier League via the Promotion Playoff Final.

Before moving to England, Armstrong played his entire career in his native Scotland. The midfielder spent three and a half seasons with Celtic FC, totaling 28 goals and 25 assists in 107 starts and 144 appearances across all competitions. Armstrong was a member of Celtic’s treble-winning sides in 2016/17 and 2017/18, as the Bhoys won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish FA Challenge Cup and the Scottish League Cup in back-to-back…