It looks as though Southampton will have to prepare for life without Che Adams, who is out of contract in the summer.
Adams is being linked with a move to the Premier League today and it appears he has decided against renewing his contract at St Mary’s.
After almost five years on the South Coast, making 180 appearances and scoring just shy of a half-century of goals, the Scotland international prepares to bid farewell.
With 10 games remaining of the season, it will likely be the last Saints fans see of him, so what better way to go out than with a promotion medal.
Ordinarily, Southampton would have to dive into the transfer market and find a replacement, however, there is already an ideal heir waiting in the wings.
Ross Stewart can replace Che Adams
The South Coaters outlaid an initial £8m plus £4m in potential add-ons for Ross Stewart last summer, who departed Sunderland having netted 40 times in 80 appearances.
The 27-year-old joined with lots of promise and, at the time, it was considered a real statement addition from Southampton.
Director of football Jason Wilcox was delighted with his addition, speaking in September: “Ross is a really dynamic and intelligent player, so we’re delighted to have added him to the group.
“His form and development over the past couple of seasons have been very impressive, and we’re confident this will be a great place for him to continue that.
“He’s got a fantastic work-rate and he’s a great character too, so we believe he’ll be a really popular addition and an excellent fit for us.”
Unfortunately, as they did in the previous season, injuries have plagued Stewart and he’s been reduced to just two Championship appearances this term.
He isn’t expected to return before the end of the campaign, however, Saints fans could see him back in action in pre-season.
Should he keep himself fit over the summer and get himself back up to speed in the friendlies, Russell Martin will have a ready-made Adams replacement for next season.
If he can get back to the form he showed at Sunderland, he could even be an upgrade on Adams in many ways.
Ross Stewart compared to Che Adams
Stewart has a much better goals-per-game ratio than Adams, though, admittedly he has played at a lower level. The 6’2″ centre-forward averages a goal every 2.69 games, whereas, Adams averages 3.7.
Indeed, Adams’ game is much more than scoring goals, but notwithstanding that, it’s an interesting comparison to make.
In a Russell Martin system, Stewart wouldn’t be able to operate on the flanks like the former Birmingham City forward has.
So, from that perspective, it seems if the Saints are to dip into the market to replace Adams, they may be best looking for a more versatile forward, who has experience playing as a left winger.
It’s been a long road for Stewart, but with pre-season nearing, and Adams departing, it’s set up perfectly for him to hit the ground running in August.