Southampton’s immediate return to the Premier League following their 2023 relegation could spell the end of Ross Stewart’s time at the club, despite his recent signing for £10 million.
Under the management of Russell Martin, Southampton secured their promotion through the play-offs after finishing fourth in the Championship. This achievement came amid significant changes to the squad after relegation.
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Ross Stewart was among the new signings intended to bolster the team’s promotion bid. However, his debut season was marred by injuries. Arriving with an Achilles injury, Stewart further injured his hamstring just two games into his return, limiting him to only four appearances for the Saints. This lack of game time has raised questions about the value of his £10 million transfer fee.
Stewart’s transfer from Sunderland last summer was always a gamble. At the time, he had been out since January with an Achilles injury, which sidelined him until November. Despite an impressive record of ten goals and three assists in 13 Championship matches, his experience at this level was limited. There were no assurances that his previous form wasn’t a one-off.
At 27 years old, Stewart was seen as a short-term solution to Southampton’s scoring needs rather than a long-term prospect. The expectation was that he would provide the goals necessary for promotion. Ironically, the team achieved this without his significant contribution, leading to concerns that the investment in Stewart may not pay off as anticipated.
Looking ahead to the Premier League, Southampton is reportedly seeking strikers with proven experience at the top level. Although Stewart will remain with the squad, his ability to perform in the Premier League remains untested.
Manager Russell Martin’s desire for a seasoned Premier League goalscorer suggests that Stewart may struggle to secure regular playing time.
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Had Stewart enjoyed a successful season in the Championship, Martin might have trusted him to lead the attack in the Premier League. However, Stewart remains an unknown quantity at this level. With Che Adams’ contract expiring at the end of June, the club is likely to bring in at least one, if not two, new strikers.
Stewart’s disappointing season, featuring only 42 minutes of play and a brief appearance in the play-offs against West Brom, reflects his frustrating debut campaign.
As Southampton prepares for the Premier League, Stewart’s role in the team remains uncertain. His career at the club may become an unintended casualty of their swift return to the top flight.
