How is ex-Sunderland striker Ross Stewart getting on? | OneFootball

Since his move to Southampton last year, Ross Stewart has struggled to make an impact at St Mary's.

At Sunderland, Ross Stewart was considered a star. An integral part of the team, the 'Lochness Drogba' was considered the main man and even had his own song.

However, as is always the case when players perform at the top of their game, there was interest from another club: Southampton. With only one year left on his contract in 2023, Sunderland had a decision to make: cash-in on a player who could leave for free or gun for promotion with Stewart at the helm.

Another defining factor in the Scottish international's potential switch was the achilles tendon injury he had been carrying since January 2023, when he was stretchered off against Fulham in the FA Cup 3rd round.

In the end, Saints took a gamble on the injured forward and signed Stewart for a reported £8m plus £2 in add-ons, as reported by Sky Sports reporter, Keith Downie.

Since the Scot's move, has it gone to plan at Southampton? Or did Sunderland make the correct call?

Stewart's move to Southampton scuppered by injuries

The signing of Stewart was always going to be an intriguing one, given he was out with a serious injury when he was signed by Russell Martin's Southampton. As injuries go, this one was awful, as it kept the striker out for a total of 282 days before he returned to action in November 2023.

By the time the then 27-year-old made his debut for the Saints, he had already missed 11 matches, which included a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of his former club in the first game of the season.

On his return to first team action, Stewart would have been hoping that he could grasp his opportunity and force his way into a strong Southampton side. However, after just two games and 17 minutes of football, injury struck the Scot again.

One would assume that injuries do not get much worse than an achilles tendon injury, but the hamstring injury suffered by Stewart was even harsher. The Scot missed almost the entirety of the season before returning on the final day against Leeds United.

St Mary's exit looks likely for Stewart in the near future

The 28-year-old's last appearance for the club came against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship play-off semi-finals last season and the striker has not featured for Saints in the Premier League this campaign.

In truth, if it were not for injuries, the striker would surely have made an impact for Southampton in the Championship, given his exploits on Wearside. During his time with Sunderland, the 'Lochness Drogba' bagged 40 goals in 80 appearances.

Another factor standing against him at St Mary's, is the number of forwards seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, with the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer and Paul Onuachu all brought in alongside Adam Armstrong, who was prolific last season.

With the odds stacked against him, Sunderland fans speculated over the summer whether a return for the 'Lochness Drogba' was on the cards, but Stewart remained on the South Coast and will seemingly fight for his place.

Given the number of strikers with a higher profile at St Mary's, it seems likely that the Scot will have to leave the club in order to get first team football, and a move back to the Championship in January looks extremely realistic.

The irony of the situation is that Stewart will probably end up at a club below Sunderland's standard, and he is now in a fight to save his career. Although there is no doubting his talent, his next career step will be pivotal and he must avoid another serious injury.

With no goals in four appearances, there can only be one winner from the deal that took Stewart from Sunderland to Southampton. If he had stayed, would things have been different? Or would he have suffered the same fate?

It is fair to say that things are not going swimmingly for Ross Stewart. Injuries have severely hampered his move to St Mary's and the striker has only managed four appearances in over a year.

Given the volume of strikers at Russell Martin's disposal, it is unlikely the 28-year-old will be given many opportunities in the Premier League and, therefore, an exit in January looks likely.