Adam Armstrong rejected a move to Sunderland back in February, and now they are the one laughing with a Premier League return.
The Championship playoff Finals have just concluded and between Sheffield and Sunderland, Southampton has emerged as the biggest losers. And all because of loanee Ben Brereton Diaz's crashed permanent exit dreams.
Yet, post the Wembley result that confirmed Sunderland's return to the Premier League, Southampton and BBD aren't the only ones blaming their fate.
Intriguingly, there's another Saint who lost big in this Final with Sheffield's defeat, even without participating.
It's Southampton loanee Adam Armstrong.
That's because, on the back of a poor Saints spell, Armstrong prioritized a West Bromwich loan return in winter out of the possible offers. And guess what, the rest of the destinations calling him had promotion favourites Sunderland too.
Yet, back then, on the deadline day, Armstrong chose loyalty for his former club, Newcastle, that might be haunting him now.
Armstrong is himself to blame for failed consecutive promotion chance
Undoubtedly, the forward's decision to reunite with Tony Mowbray had him have a relishing Championship homecoming. Yet, this can't be ignored that Armstrong could have seen a Premier League return today instead of missing the playoffs with the Baggies.
On a personal level too, while Armstrong started well, clearly, he could have ended better. Having scored the Wembley Finals goal that fired Southampton to the Top Flight last year, easily better was expected of Armstrong than his 3 goals in 16 appearances.
But what for Southampton? Already stressed out for BBD's upcoming return, now the Saints fear the baggage of having Adam Armstrong again.
Being far from impressive, West Bromwich are expected to bid bye to the loanee, whom Southampton are forced to have back again.
Notice this. This week came in with a big Will Still announcement for Southampton fans, but it's again ending the most Saints' way with BBD and Armstrong's failed loan updates.
Still, that's how it has been throughout this season. Hopefully, things improve ahead.
READ MORE SOUTHAMPTON NEWS HERE: