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

Ross Stewart is reportedly in a legal dispute with Southampton over a 12-month extension clause, leaving his future uncertain after the club’s end-of-season controversy.

"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. 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."

The 29-year-old moved from Sunderland in August 2023 and has endured an injury-hit spell. He was due to be out of contract this summer, with Southampton attempting to trigger a one-year option. Stewart has reportedly instructed lawyers to examine the terms after the club’s play-off expulsion created uncertainty over timing.

He had been one game from a Premier League return before Southampton were removed from the play-off final, with Middlesbrough taking their place and later losing to Hull City at Wembley.

Despite fitness issues, Stewart ended the campaign with 11 goals and three assists in all competitions, including a strike in April’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.

Fondly remembered on Wearside for scoring in the 2-0 win over Wycombe in the 2022 League One play-off final, the striker’s next step remains unclear as the summer window unfolds.

Source: Sunderland Echo