Exclusive: Don Goodman raises Ross Stewart concern for Southampton as £6.8m deal nears | OneFootball

Southampton are set to sign a new striker, which could spell the end of another forward's St.Mary's stint

Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs.

The Saints will reportedly pay a £6.8 million fee for the 21-year-old, who scored 13 goals and provided six assists for Bundesliga 2 outfit FC Koln last season.

This news has led to speculation around the future of other strikers in Will Still’s squad, including Ross Stewart.

Making just 17 appearances for the South Coast side across the last two years, the Scotsman has struggled to stay fit during his time at St. Mary’s and is therefore a likely candidate to be disposed of.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former EFL striker, Don Goodman, believes that Southampton’s new addition will provide competition but won’t necessarily force Stewart out the club.

Don Goodman weighs in on Ross Stewart’s future amid Damion Downs signing

“Unfortunately, the problem for Ross Stewart is that he's had the most horrific time with injuries,” stated Goodman. Therefore, if you're Southampton and you need to get promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt, unfortunately you can’t rely on Ross.

“You can't rely on him because of that injury record, and therefore you find yourself turning to other players.

“Damion Downs is 21 years old and did well in the Bundesliga 2 for Cologne but how does that translate to the Championship?

“It's really difficult to tell given it was his breakout season; he’s clearly a player with potential and clearly a player that either Will Still or Southampton as a football club have had their eye on.

“They would have done their due diligence, and they would hope that he could be a real good addition to the squad.”

Ross Stewart needs regular playing time next season

With Southampton outlaying such a heavy fee for Downs’ services, it’s likely that the 21-year-old will be given a premier role in Still’s squad.

Other forwards such as Adam Armstrong will be vying to keep their place in the team, which could ultimately relegate Stewart to third/fourth choice striker.

This isn’t what he needs at this stage in his career, especially after playing just 17 times across the past two seasons.

Consistent playing time is the 28-year-old’s best chance of returning to a fitness level that will allow him to operate at a high level once more.

If Still and Co. can’t promise this, he must look elsewhere to get his career back on track.

The Saints will be keen to recoup some of the £8 million they forked out for Stewart two years ago, so parting ways may be the best option for both parties this summer.