Ross Stewart is out of contract at Southampton this summer, with an option for a further year. But it might be time for the Saints to part ways with the injury-stricken striker.
Following Ross Stewart’s £8m move to Southampton from Sunderland in September 2023, the 29-year-old Scot has played just 35 league games for the Saints, with 19 of those coming in this 2025/26 season.
Multiple long-term injuries has really hindered his time at St Mary’s. But this season has seen Stewart turn a corner with regards to his fitness, with five goals in 19 Championship games for Tonda Eckert‘s side.
Stewart is out of contract this summer but Southampton have the option to extend his stay by a year. Its also rumoured that Southampton could hand Stewart a long-term contract but on reduced wages.
Here, The72’s writers debate whether or not the club should hand Stewart an extended contract beyond this season…
“You’ve really got to feel for Stewart. He’s had a torrid time with injuries. At Sunderland we saw signs of a Premier League quality striker in the making and given the amount of injuries and the amount of tie he’s missed, I find it hard to see Stewart ever reaching that kind of potential again.
“That said, I think he can still have a lot to offer for a Championship team like Southampton. He’s shown signs of his former self this season, albeit with a few injury niggles along the way. But he’s finally getting more consistent in terms of fitness.
“For me though, whether or not Southampton keep Stewart depends on whether or not they go up. Miss out on promotion and I would definitely keep him for another year. But only a year. In the event of promotion I would take the loss and release him.
“Expect Eckert and co to make a decision when their season is over. But I would certainly approach this one with caution and perhaps a more stern mentality.”
Should Southampton keep Ross Stewart? Only if they miss out on promotion, and only for one more year.
James Ray
“Obviously, Southampton’s summer transfer window plans will depend heavily on whether they can win promotion or not. Some players who could have roles to play in the Championship will not get opportunities in the Premier League, and I feel Ross Stewart falls into that category.
“His time at Sunderland and spells of this season have shown what the Scot offers at this level. He’s a hard-working and physical striker who can bring the Saints’ talented wingers and attacking midfielders into the game.
“However, it can be argued that Cyle Larin has done this to better effect since his winter arrival, and there is a buy option in his Southampton loan. I think the Canadian could end up being signed permanently regardless of how the season ends, and that casts doubt over Stewart’s future.
“You can make a case for keeping Stewart if the Saints stay down, but I get the feeling a bit of a striker revamp awaits. That may include Larin signing permanently, Cameron Archer being sold and Stewart leaving at the end of his deal.
“If that is the case, then Stewart would be an excellent pickup for another Championship club.”
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