Ex-Sunderland play-off hero Ross Stewart in legal contract dispute after Southampton ‘spygate’ drama | OneFootball

Former Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is reportedly locked in a contract dispute with Southampton over a 12-month option after the club’s season ended in controversial circumstances. He has instructed lawyers to assess the terms.

The Scotland international joined in August 2023, his time hampered by injury. He was due to be out of contract this summer, with Southampton holding an option to extend by one year. The row turns on whether the clause was triggered in time.

“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.” He told the Southampton Echo.

“Ultimately, it’s on Ross and his team to basically decide whether they want to stay or not. I would love to have him back.”

Stewart was one game from a Premier League return before Southampton were removed from the play-off final picture, Middlesbrough replaced them and lost to Hull City at Wembley. He still finished with 11 goals and three assists, including one in April’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.

Signed from Ross County in January 2021, he became a key figure at Sunderland and scored in the 2-0 win over Wycombe at Wembley to seal promotion from League One. His next move is unclear, with Southampton keen to keep him and the option row likely to shape the summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo