Ross Stewart ‘could leave’ Southampton amid contract extension dispute | OneFootball

Ross Stewart’s Southampton future is uncertain amid a legal dispute over a proposed 12-month contract extension.

The 29-year-old joined from Sunderland in August 2023 but injuries hampered his season. He was due to be out of contract this summer, with Southampton holding an option to extend.

He has reportedly instructed lawyers to review the deal after the season ended in controversial fashion, with Southampton expelled from the play-off final. That has reportedly created uncertainty over whether the clause was exercised within the required window.

“We had to initiate the option up to five days after the last game of the season, and we were out of the five days when our final got cancelled. When we knew there was no last game, we immediately sent the notice of the extension, but his lawyers say that they’re disagreeing with us.” He told the Southampton Echo.

“Ultimately, it’s on Ross and his team to basically decide whether they want to stay or not. If he wants to try his luck somewhere else, I can’t stop him, but I would love to have him back. We have made an effort to keep him.”

Despite a stop-start season, Stewart scored 11 goals and provided three assists in all competitions, including April’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.

He remains a favourite on Wearside after scoring in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Wycombe in the 2022 League One play-off final. With Southampton keen to retain him, his next move remains unresolved as the summer window unfolds.

Source: Sunderland Echo