How Southampton FC feel about Ross Stewart's contract situation as fresh twist emerges | OneFootball

Ross Stewart's contract is set to expire this summer, but Southampton have the option to extend it by a further 12 months

Ross Stewart's contract situation at Southampton hangs in the balance ahead of the expiration of the striker's deal this summer.

The Scot scored yet again on Saturday afternoon, with his goal helping the Saints to secure a 1-1 draw at home to Charlton Athletic.

The 29-year-old has bagged five goals from just 16 appearances so far this season, with injuries plaguing his time at St. Mary’s.

Stewart has now scored in back-to-back games in Tonda Eckert’s side, also finding the back of the net in their dramatic 4-3 victory over Leicester City earlier this month.

The striker made the move to St. Mary’s in the 2023 summer transfer window, arriving from Sunderland, but he has played a total of 31 times in the league across the last three campaigns.

But his recent performances have highlighted his importance to the Hampshire outfit amid their push for promotion to the Premier League, with his current contract set to expire in June but with the option for an extra 12 months.

Southampton weigh up Ross Stewart contract decision

According to the Daily Echo, the Saints are weighing up their options regarding Stewart’s contract.

Southampton are reportedly considering a longer-term contract, perhaps between two or three years, instead of triggering his 12-month option.

It’s believed that the Championship side are willing to offer him lower wages, but in exchange for greater security for the player’s future.

Stewart’s fitness issues are well documented, as he has struggled to maintain his place in the side over the last three seasons.

However, the forward is still hoping he can play his way into Steve Clarke’s plans for the Scotland men’s national team ahead of the World Cup in North America this summer.

It remains unclear whether Stewart would be open to a longer-term deal that required him taking a pay cut, or if he would rather seek a new club elsewhere at the end of the campaign.

Eckert has chosen to keep the 29-year-old from playing a full 90 minutes, with the 70 minutes he played against Leicester being his longest appearance since the German became head coach.

The Saints are currently 11th in the Championship table following their 1-1 draw at home to the Addicks, leaving them four points adrift of sixth place Wrexham.

Next up for Southampton is a home clash against QPR on Tuesday evening in an 8pm kick-off.

A fully fit Ross Stewart has plenty to offer Southampton

Goals in back-to-back games just emphasises how frustrating it’s been for Southampton and Stewart that he can’t stay fit.

The forward could be one of the top strikers in the second division if he could consistently get on the pitch every week.

He even has the potential to be a Premier League calibre player, which is what has made it worth persisting with him for Southampton.

It will be a difficult decision for the 29-year-old to accept lower wages but, given his fitness issues, it may be his best bet in terms of securing a place at a club for the next two or three seasons.