Ross Stewart in contract dispute amid legal wrangle after Southampton play-off expulsion | OneFootball

Ross Stewart’s Southampton future is in doubt, with a legal row over a 12-month extension clouding the striker’s next step. The Scotland international has reportedly instructed lawyers after the club’s season ended in controversial fashion.

“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 was speaking to the Southampton Echo.

“Ultimately, it’s on Ross and his team to basically decide whether they want to stay or not. In my opinion, nobody would be better for Ross than us. We worked hard to allow him physically to show how good he is.”

“He went from a guy who didn’t play for two years to be invited to the World Cup team. I’m really proud of that.”

“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.”

Stewart joined from Sunderland in August 2023 but injuries hampered him. He was due to be out of contract this summer, with Southampton seeking to exercise a further year.

He finished with 11 goals and three assists despite injury issues, and remains a Sunderland favourite after scoring in the 2-0 win over Wycombe in the 2022 play-off final.

Source: Sunderland Echo