An update has emerged regarding Sunderland‘s efforts to keep Ross Stewart at the club beyond the end of the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Sunderland reporter Phil Smith has claimed that the Championship club appear confident that the 26-year-old will not be going anywhere this season.
The journalist has quoted Alex Neil as saying that the striker’s situation will be ironed out, as he currently has less than 12 months left on his contract.
Smith tweeted: #SAFC seem hopeful Ross Stewart will sign a new deal at the club. AN spoke to him recently, said he was ‘content & looking forward to the season’. Added: ‘I’m pretty sure that’ll get resolved’.”
Supporters will be buzzing
Sunderland supporters will be buzzing with this claim, as pinning the attacker down to an extended contract would be a major piece of business by the club.
As it stands, the Black Cats are running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer. His deal expires in 2023 and he will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January onwards, which would leave the current transfer window as the Wearsiders’ last chance to cash in on him.
Will Stewart score 15 or more this season?
However, it appears as though Sunderland fans do not have to worry about Stewart departing for nothing in a year’s time, as the club are hopeful of him committing his future to playing at the Stadium of Light.
This will leave supporters buzzing as it is a huge boost for Alex Neil this season, given what Stewart achieved in League One last term.
The 26-year-old caught the eye in 2021/22 as he scored 26 goals in 49 in League One. He was also a creator for his team-mates as he produced nine ‘big chances’ and racked up three assists in the third tier.
These statistics highlight the level of impact that he can have at the top end of the pitch, and he still has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and showcase his skills in a red and white shirt.
He has the quality, and is in the right age bracket, to be a huge player for Sunderland in the here-and-now as well as for the long-term future, which is why fans will be delighted with Smith’s latest claim.
AND in other news, Speakman “interested” in Sunderland deal for “complete” £2.5m dynamo, forget about Broadhead…
