Tonda Eckert uncovers a possible Ross Stewart development at Southampton.

Southampton Focused on Promotion Despite Difficult Start

Southampton head into the 2026/27 Championship campaign with one clear objective—earning an immediate return to the Premier League. Although the Saints came close to achieving promotion last season, events off the pitch ultimately denied them the opportunity to complete the job.

Under the guidance of Tonda Eckert, Southampton reached the Championship play-off final after an impressive finish to the campaign. However, before they could take to the field at Wembley against Hull City, the club was expelled from the play-offs following disciplinary action taken by the English Football League.

The punishment stemmed from the club being found guilty of breaching regulations relating to the spying of opposition training sessions. As a consequence, Southampton not only missed the chance to compete for promotion but will also begin the new Championship season with a four-point deduction.

Despite that setback, there remains considerable optimism around St Mary’s. The performances produced during the latter stages of last season demonstrated that Southampton possess the quality required to compete near the top of the table once again.

Summer Recruitment Already Underway

Southampton have wasted little time strengthening their squad ahead of another demanding Championship campaign.

The club have already completed the permanent signings of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin after both players spent time on loan with the Saints previously. Their successful loan spells convinced the club that making those deals permanent would strengthen the squad moving forward.

In addition to those arrivals, Southampton have also added experienced goalkeeper George Long and winger Lewis Dobbin to their first-team group.

While those signings provide further depth across several positions, the recruitment process is far from complete. With the transfer window remaining open until the beginning of September, further additions are widely expected before the deadline arrives.

Eckert Opens Door to Ross Stewart Return

One of the more surprising developments surrounding Southampton’s transfer plans involves former striker Ross Stewart.

The Scottish forward officially left the club earlier this summer after his contract expired, making him a free agent for the first time since arriving from Sunderland.

Despite Stewart’s departure, head coach Tonda Eckert has revealed that communication between the pair has continued. Speaking publicly, the German manager admitted he remains in regular contact with the striker and refused to rule out the possibility of bringing him back to St Mary’s.

His comments have immediately sparked speculation that Southampton could yet attempt to re-sign a player who only recently left the club.

Manager Confirms Need for Another Striker

Eckert’s remarks made it clear that Southampton are actively searching for another centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

The manager acknowledged that while Cyle Larin enters the new season in much better physical condition than when he first joined during the January transfer window, the demands of a long Championship campaign require greater depth in attacking positions.

According to Eckert, the club definitely intends to recruit another striker before the season progresses much further.

Although he stopped short of confirming Stewart as that player, his comments strongly suggested the former Sunderland striker remains a realistic option.

Stewart’s Southampton Career Was Interrupted by Injuries

Ross Stewart’s time at Southampton has been heavily affected by injury problems.

After completing his move from Sunderland during the summer of 2023, expectations surrounding the Scottish international were understandably high following his impressive goalscoring exploits in previous seasons.

Unfortunately, recurring fitness issues prevented him from making the impact many supporters had hoped for during his early years at St Mary’s.

Across his first two campaigns with Southampton, Stewart managed only 15 league appearances while scoring just one goal, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his momentum.

Improved Fitness Produced Better Results

The picture changed significantly over the past season.

Having finally overcome many of the physical problems that had limited his availability, Stewart became a much more regular member of Eckert’s squad throughout the Championship campaign.

The striker made 25 league appearances and played an important role in helping Southampton secure a fourth-place finish in the table despite the challenges faced throughout the season.

His increased availability allowed supporters to see the qualities that had originally persuaded the club to sign him.

Valuable Contributions in Front of Goal

Stewart repaid that renewed faith by making meaningful contributions in attack.

During the Championship season, the experienced forward scored eight goals while also providing two assists for his teammates.

His ability to deliver in important moments proved particularly valuable during the promotion race, and one of his most memorable contributions came in the play-offs.

The striker found the net during Southampton’s semi-final victory over Middlesbrough, helping the Saints move within one match of securing a return to the Premier League before subsequent disciplinary action ended their campaign.

Currently Available as Free Agent

Following the expiration of his contract, Stewart is now free to negotiate with clubs without any transfer fee being involved.

That situation naturally increases his attractiveness to potential employers, particularly those looking for experienced Championship forwards capable of making an immediate impact.

Interestingly, despite becoming a free agent several weeks ago, there have been very few concrete reports linking Stewart with alternative clubs.

The lack of confirmed interest elsewhere could increase the possibility of a reunion with Southampton if both parties decide such a move makes sense.

Return to St Mary’s Remains Possible

Although nothing has been agreed, Eckert’s comments have clearly reopened the possibility of Stewart returning to Southampton.

Because he already knows the club, the coaching staff and many of the players, reintegrating him into the squad would be considerably easier than introducing an entirely new signing.

His familiarity with Southampton’s playing style and expectations could allow him to contribute immediately should a new agreement eventually be reached.

Whether negotiations actually progress remains uncertain, but the manager has certainly ensured that supporters will continue monitoring developments closely.

Saints Preparing for Season Opener

As transfer discussions continue behind the scenes, Southampton are also preparing for the beginning of another important Championship season.

Their opening league fixture is scheduled for 16 August when they travel away to face Watford.

Beginning the campaign with a points deduction means every result will carry additional importance, increasing the pressure on the club to assemble the strongest possible squad before competitive action resumes.

Bringing Stewart Back Could Be Smart Business

From Southampton’s perspective, re-signing Stewart may represent the most sensible solution to their current attacking needs.

Replacing a striker with proven Championship experience would almost certainly require paying a transfer fee as well as negotiating personal terms with an unfamiliar player.

In contrast, Stewart is already available as a free agent and has demonstrated that, when fully fit, he remains capable of performing effectively at this level.

His eight league goals last season showed that he can still make valuable contributions despite the injury setbacks suffered earlier in his Southampton career.

Cost-Effective Option for Squad Depth

Financial considerations also make a reunion increasingly attractive.

Without the need to pay a transfer fee, Southampton could strengthen their attacking options while preserving funds for reinforcements in other priority positions.

The Championship season is long and physically demanding, making squad depth essential if promotion ambitions are to be realised.

Adding Stewart would provide competition for Cyle Larin while ensuring Eckert has another experienced striker available throughout the campaign.

Ultimately, whether Southampton complete another deal for Ross Stewart remains to be seen. However, Eckert’s latest comments have confirmed that the possibility cannot be ruled out, and with the club openly acknowledging its need for another striker, a return to St Mary’s may yet prove to be the most practical and cost-effective solution before the transfer window closes.