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

Ross Stewart is reportedly in a legal dispute with Southampton over a 12-month extension clause, leaving the striker’s future unclear after the club’s play-off upheaval.

The Scotland international joined from Sunderland in August 2023 but injuries disrupted his season. Due to be out of contract this summer, Southampton sought to activate their option to keep the 29-year-old for a further year, and he has instructed lawyers to review the terms.

“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.

Stewart was one game from a Premier League return before Southampton were removed from the play-off final, with Middlesbrough stepping in and later losing to Hull City at Wembley. He still ended the campaign with 11 goals and three assists in all competitions, including a strike in April’s FA Cup win over Arsenal.

Signed from Ross County in January 2021, Stewart became a key figure at Sunderland and scored in the 2-0 Wembley win over Wycombe Wanderers that sealed promotion from League One in 2022. His next move remains uncertain as the summer window unfolds.

Source: Sunderland Echo