Swansea City's signing of free agent Ross Stewart on a three-year deal may cast doubt over Zan Vipotnik's future at the club, as the Scotland striker's arrival adds depth to the team's forward options. Stewart, who has scored goals in the Championship for both Southampton and Sunderland, is seen as an experienced and proven performer at this level by Swansea head coach Vitor Matos. Matos praised Stewart's hunger and desire to be a senior figure and leader in the dressing room, citing his goalscoring record as evidence of his ability to relish responsibility.
Stewart's move to Swansea follows his departure from Southampton in June, where he scored 11 times in 33 games last season. He has also played four times for Scotland, including a substitute appearance against Morocco at this summer's World Cup. With Swansea having sold Liam Cullen to Leicester City and potentially allowing Bobby Wales to depart on loan, Stewart joins Vipotnik and Adam Idah as the forward options in Matos' squad. The signing is part of Swansea's summer recruitment drive, which has seen the club make six permanent signings, including Moussa Yeo, Elijah Just, and Joseph Opoku.
Stewart's career has been marked by a remarkable rise from Scottish juniors to World Cup appearances. He began his career with stints at Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers before joining Albion Rovers in2016. He then played for St Mirren, Alloa Athletic, and Ross County, where he won the2018-19 Scottish Championship and Scottish Challenge Cup. Stewart's prolific form at Sunderland, where he scored 40 goals in 81 appearances, earned him a move to Southampton in2023. Swansea's sporting director Ben Stevens praised Stewart's experience and performances, saying he was delighted to see the striker join the club.
Stewart's signing is a significant addition to Swansea's squad, and his experience and goalscoring record will be crucial in the team's bid to succeed in the Championship. With the club also targeting Valencia's Andre Almeida and Ousseynou Fall Seck of Danish side Randers, Swansea's summer recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down. As the team prepares for the new season, Stewart's arrival will be closely watched, and his ability to make an impact will be key to the club's success.
