Should Southampton Bring Ross Stewart Back This Summer? | OneFootball

By Christian Lovegrove · July 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Southampton’s search for a striker could lead them back to a familiar face.

Despite Ross Stewart’s departure on a free transfer, manager Tonda Eckert revealed in an interview with the Daily Echo he has remained in touch with the 30-year-old.

Considering he wouldn’t need much time to settle nor carry the financial burden of a transfer fee, should the Saints attempt to re-sign the Scottish international?

Ross Stewart ended the season with 11 goals in all competitions – his best campaign in a Southampton shirt. His bright form caught the eye of Scotland manager Steve Clarke, leading to a call-up to the World Cup squad.

Before Scotland’s opening game against Haiti, it was revealed (via Southampton’s retained list) that Stewart was set to depart the club.

Chairman Dragan Solak said Southampton sent notice of Stewart’s one-year contract extension as soon as it became clear they were expelled from the play-offs. Still, the striker’s legal representatives disputed the timing.

Speaking on why he believed the 30-year-old should’ve stayed, Solak added:

The Scotsman amassed just seven minutes at the World Cup without making a start. Steve Clarke opted for striker Lyndon Dykes as the primary option from the bench. As Scotland failed to qualify for the knockout stages, Stewart’s brief World Cup spell had come to an end.

Ross Stewart has yet to find a club this summer. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Now, the 30-year-old remains a free agent and subject of transfer speculation. Tonda Eckert has said a return is “possible” as the Saints “definitely need a second striker”.

Considerations

At 30 years old, Stewart presents a similar option to Southampton striker Cyle Larin – in terms of both age and style of play.

The Saints found far more success with a target profile last season, allowing them to escape opposition pressure by playing it long to a striker who could hold it up, retain possession higher and bring others into play.

Consistently rotating between Stewart and Larin in this system allowed both to flourish. It limited the workload of the injury-prone Scotsman while allowing for healthy competition with the Canadian international.

Despite starting just eleven league matches, Stewart delivered his most productive Southampton campaign. He accumulated his highest minutes total (980) at the Saints and led the goals-per-90 metric among Championship strikers with 0.73. Reflecting on his efficiency, Eckert said:

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Regardless of proven success and Championship experience, signing Stewart would likely prove to be a short-term fix.

He wouldn’t have to adapt to a new environment, which could aid the Saints early in their Championship campaign (starting on a four-point deduction). But signing Stewart wouldn’t address their need for a long-term striker – someone who could learn Eckert’s style and thrive off Larin.

The ideal profile would be a forward capable of contributing immediately while continuing to develop alongside the squad. With the demands of a Championship season, the Saints need someone who can handle regular minutes, provide an energetic presence in the press and stretch opposition defences.

Recruiting a younger, physically capable striker would better support that emphasis on regeneration.

However, the Saints could provide Nicholas Oyekunle with this opportunity to step up. If Stewart is re-signed, it would reduce the pressure on the third choice, meaning Oyekunle could be given rotational gametime.

The 19-year-old centre-forward scored in Southampton’s first pre-season outing against Eastleigh, featured last season and could be given further opportunities this time round under Eckert, who has proven he’s willing to back youth players.

Meanwhile, the biggest question remains Stewart’s fitness.

Ross Stewart has made just 50 appearances in three seasons for Southampton. (Photo by Tony King/Getty Images)

Re-signing him would likely require the same carefully managed minutes that proved successful last season, making him a complementary option rather than a reliable first-choice striker.

But Eckert’s management significantly reduced Stewart’s injury risk; Southampton endured their best goal-scoring spell of the season when frequent rotation occurred between him and Larin – both of whom ranked above the 85th percentile in the Championship for goal conversion.

Given his age and injury history, a long-term deal should only be on the cards for Stewart with lower wages than he was on before. It would allow the Saints to benefit from his proven Championship quality while protecting themselves if issues return.

Southampton spent years waiting to see the striker Ross Stewart could become. After finally seeing it, they now face a difficult decision: try again or move forward.

He has already proven he can succeed under Tonda Eckert. From understanding the system to remaining one of the Championship’s most efficient goalscorers when managed correctly.

Re-signing him would, therefore, represent an established solution for a Saints side looking to make a fast start, but only if they cannot secure a younger striker who better fits their current and long-term plans.