A former Southampton player might make a comeback despite leaving the club just weeks ago.

Southampton Continue Search for a New Forward

Southampton remain active in the transfer market as they continue their hunt for a new striker following Ross Stewart’s departure earlier this summer. The Scottish forward officially left the club after his contract was terminated on June 30, bringing an end to a spell that began with his arrival in 2023.

Finding the right replacement has become one of the club’s biggest priorities ahead of the new campaign. However, after missing out on several attacking targets, Southampton are still waiting to secure the player they believe can strengthen Tonda Eckert’s squad.

While the Saints have been linked with a number of forwards during the current transfer window, no deal has yet been completed. As a result, the club continues to explore every available option in its search for additional firepower.

Interestingly, one possibility now gathering momentum involves a player who only left the club a matter of weeks ago.

Transfer Plans Suffer Early Setbacks

Southampton’s recruitment plans have not gone entirely according to schedule.

One of the club’s leading attacking targets, Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear, appears destined for Middlesbrough instead. Reports suggest the Championship rivals were prepared to put together a transfer package worth around £20 million to secure the young forward’s signature, leaving Southampton unable to complete the move.

Losing out on Lankshear has forced the Saints to reassess their shortlist as they continue evaluating alternative options before the transfer window closes.

Another player heavily linked with the club is Como striker Ivan Azon. Reports indicate Southampton have submitted an offer believed to be worth approximately £8.5 million, although there has been little indication regarding whether that proposal has been accepted or rejected.

Until there is further clarity surrounding Azon’s future, Southampton remain in something of a waiting game.

With uncertainty surrounding external transfer targets, attention has naturally shifted towards options that may already be familiar to the club.

Tonda Eckert Opens the Door for Ross Stewart

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has openly acknowledged that Ross Stewart could make a return to St Mary’s despite leaving the club only recently.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Eckert admitted that he has maintained contact with the Scotland international and did little to dismiss speculation linking the striker with a comeback.

He explained:

“I’m still in touch with Ross. It’s possible. We definitely need a second striker. I think that is very clear.

“There will definitely be a second striker. Let’s see who that will be.”

Those comments have immediately fuelled speculation that Stewart could be brought back to the club if Southampton fail to land one of their preferred transfer targets.

Rather than ruling out the possibility, Eckert’s remarks suggest the door remains firmly open.

Stewart Left on Good Terms

Unlike many departures that occur following disappointing spells or disagreements, Stewart’s exit came without controversy.

The striker became a free agent after his contract was terminated at the end of June, allowing him to search for a new club without a transfer fee being involved.

Despite leaving Southampton, there appears to have been no breakdown in the relationship between player and club.

Eckert’s continued communication with Stewart highlights the respect that still exists between both parties and suggests there would be few obstacles should discussions over a return gather pace.

With Stewart still available on the free-agent market, Southampton would not have to negotiate with another club if they decided to bring him back.

A Season That Restored His Reputation

Although injuries affected significant parts of Stewart’s Southampton career, the 2025/26 campaign proved to be his most productive and consistent season since arriving from Sunderland.

The Scottish striker finally enjoyed an extended run of availability and rewarded the club with several important performances throughout the Championship campaign.

His improvement did not go unnoticed.

Stewart’s displays earned him a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad, representing another important milestone in his career after battling fitness problems for an extended period.

While he was ultimately unable to break into the starting lineup for the national team, simply earning selection demonstrated how highly he was regarded following his impressive season.

That recognition also reinforced the belief that he remains capable of performing at a high level when fully fit.

Valuable Contributions Throughout the Campaign

Statistics from last season underline why Southampton could still see Stewart as a dependable option.

Across 25 Championship appearances, the experienced striker contributed 10 goal involvements, providing a useful attacking return despite not featuring in every match.

Beyond the numbers, Stewart also produced important moments when Southampton needed them most.

One of his biggest contributions came during the Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough.

Playing under the lights at St Mary’s Stadium, Stewart scored the goal that brought Southampton level on the night before the Saints eventually secured victory.

It proved to be one of the defining moments of their promotion push and further highlighted his ability to deliver on the biggest occasions.

Although events away from the pitch would later overshadow that success, Stewart’s contribution remains an important chapter in Southampton’s recent history.

The Impact of the Spygate Scandal

Southampton’s hopes of enjoying the rewards of promotion were ultimately derailed by the fallout from the Spygate controversy.

The off-field developments dramatically changed the club’s trajectory and prevented what had initially appeared to be a successful campaign from ending on a high.

Had circumstances unfolded differently, Stewart may never have left the club in the first place.

Instead, the fallout from those events reshaped Southampton’s plans and resulted in significant changes both on and off the pitch.

Now, with the striker available once again, there is a genuine opportunity to reverse that earlier departure.

A Financially Sensible Solution

Modern transfer fees continue to rise dramatically, making proven Championship forwards increasingly expensive acquisitions.

Southampton have already witnessed that reality during negotiations this summer.

With Middlesbrough reportedly prepared to invest around £20 million to sign Will Lankshear, the market has demonstrated just how costly attacking talent has become.

Against that backdrop, bringing Stewart back begins to look like an attractive alternative.

Because he is currently a free agent, Southampton would avoid paying a transfer fee entirely.

That financial flexibility could allow the club to invest resources elsewhere while still strengthening one of the most important areas of the squad.

For a club carefully balancing ambition with financial responsibility, the move could represent excellent value.

Why a Reunion Makes Sense

Ross Stewart already understands the expectations at Southampton, knows the coaching staff and has experience working under the current setup.

Unlike a completely new signing, he would require little time to adapt to the environment, tactical system or dressing room.

That familiarity could prove invaluable as Southampton prepare for another demanding Championship season.

His proven ability at this level, combined with his physical presence, experience and leadership qualities, makes him an appealing option for a side seeking dependable attacking depth.

While the Saints continue monitoring external targets such as Ivan Azon, Stewart remains an increasingly realistic solution.

If Southampton cannot secure their preferred transfer targets before the window closes, bringing back a striker who has already demonstrated his quality at the club could be the smartest move available.

Considering today’s transfer market, where Championship forwards regularly command eight-figure fees, re-signing Ross Stewart on a free transfer may ultimately prove to be one of Southampton’s most cost-effective pieces of business this summer.