Ross Stewart’s signing was always going to be a fascinating one for Southampton, especially given that he arrived while sidelined with a severe injury. His Achilles tendon injury was particularly brutal, sidelining him for 282 days before he finally made his debut for the Saints in November 2023. By then, the striker had already missed 11 matches, including a 5-0 loss to his former club, Sunderland, on the opening day of the season.
Upon his return to first-team action, Stewart hoped to seize the moment and secure his place in a strong Southampton squad. Unfortunately, after only two games and 17 minutes of playing time, he suffered another injury, this time a hamstring problem. It was even more devastating than his previous injury, keeping him out for nearly the entire season. He only returned on the final day against Leeds United.
At 28, Stewart’s future at St. Mary’s seems uncertain. His last appearance came against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship play-off semi-finals last season, and he has yet to feature in the Premier League this campaign. Had it not been for his injuries, Stewart might have made a significant impact in the Championship, as he did at Sunderland, where he scored 40 goals in 80 appearances and earned the nickname “Lochness Drogba.”
Another factor working against Stewart is the depth of forwards at Southampton, with players like Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, Paul Onuachu, and Adam Armstrong ahead of him in the pecking order. With limited opportunities, many Sunderland fans speculated over the summer about a potential return, but Stewart stayed at Southampton, seemingly prepared to fight for his spot.
However, with the competition at St. Mary’s, it seems likely that Stewart will need to leave the club to find regular first-team football. A move back to the Championship in January appears realistic. Ironically, Stewart could end up at a club below Sunderland’s level, and he’s now in a crucial battle to revive his career. While his talent is undeniable, avoiding another serious injury will be key to his future.
With no goals in four appearances for Southampton, it’s clear that Sunderland benefited from the deal that saw Stewart move to the South Coast. Had he stayed at Sunderland, things might have turned out differently, but the injuries might have been just as impactful.
Ross Stewart’s career statistics to date:
– **Albion Rovers:** 32 appearances, 11 goals, 1 assist
– **St Mirren:** 21 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist
– **Alloa Athletic:** 23 appearances, 10 goals, 5 assists
– **Ross County:** 82 appearances, 28 goals, 8 assists
– **Sunderland:** 80 appearances, 40 goals, 8 assists
– **Southampton:** 4 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
In summary, Stewart’s move to Southampton has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just four appearances in over a year. With several high-profile strikers ahead of him, a January exit appears inevitable. Given his struggles, Sunderland’s decision to cash in on Stewart last year looks like a wise move.