Ross Stewart in contract dispute as Southampton play-off chaos clouds extension | OneFootball

Ross Stewart’s Southampton future is unclear after the striker reportedly instructed lawyers over a disputed 12-month contract extension.

“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.”

The 29-year-old joined from Sunderland in August 2023 and, despite injuries, finished the campaign with 11 goals and three assists. He also scored in Southampton’s FA Cup win over Arsenal in April.

Stewart is still admired on Wearside, having scored in Sunderland’s 2022 League One play-off final win over Wycombe Wanderers. Signed from Ross County in January 2021, he was central to promotion from the third tier.

He had been one game from a Premier League return before Southampton were removed from the play-off final picture, with Middlesbrough replacing them and then losing to Hull City at Wembley. Stewart could yet leave this summer, while Southampton want to keep him, and the dispute means his next move could become one to watch as the window runs through June, July and August.

Source: Sunderland Echo