Southampton FC has officially parted ways with striker Ross Stewart and six other first-team players following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Championship season. The announcement, made around June 12, 2026, marks the end of a frustrating chapter for the Scotland international whose time at St Mary’s was defined more by the treatment room than the pitch.
Stewart’s contract expires on June 30, 2026, and the club opted not to activate a one-year extension option that was available in the deal. He will leave as a free agent.
A $9.3 million gamble that never paid off
When Southampton signed Stewart from Sunderland on September 1, 2023, for a reported $9.3 million transfer fee, the expectation was straightforward. He was supposed to be the goal-scoring catalyst that powered a promotion push.
Stewart earned approximately $1.04 million annually during his time at the club. Recurring injuries plagued his tenure, including a substantial absence that was reported in October 2025, effectively derailing his contributions during what turned out to be his final season.
