Three Strikers Southampton Should Consider as Ross Stewart’s Replacement
With Ross Stewart set to leave Southampton following the expiration of his contract, the Saints must now turn their attention to strengthening their attacking options. Although the club has already secured several important signings ahead of the new Championship campaign, bringing in another reliable centre-forward is now one of the biggest priorities. Here are three strikers who deserve serious consideration as Southampton look to replace Stewart.
Southampton have already made encouraging progress in their preparations for next season by completing permanent deals for Cyle Larin, James Bree, and Daniel Peretz. Those signings underline the club’s determination to build a squad capable of earning an immediate return to the Premier League.
However, one piece of business did not go according to plan. Despite their interest in keeping Ross Stewart at St Mary’s, Southampton failed to activate the one-year extension clause in his contract before the deadline. As a result, the Scottish striker will leave the club after an injury-plagued spell that never truly allowed him to make the impact many supporters had hoped for.
While Stewart’s departure marks the end of a disappointing chapter, it also provides Southampton with the opportunity to reshape their attack. Cyle Larin is expected to lead the line after arriving from Mallorca in a deal worth around £2.5 million, meaning the Saints are not under immediate pressure to rush into another signing. Nevertheless, identifying the right striker to complement the squad will be crucial if the club are to mount a successful promotion challenge.
Behind the scenes, technical director Johannes Spors will undoubtedly be assessing a range of potential targets. Among the many names likely to be considered, three players stand out as particularly intriguing options.
Mateusz Zukowski
Mateusz Zukowski would represent one of the more unconventional signings available on the market, but his development over the past year suggests he could be an excellent fit for Southampton.
The 24-year-old Polish forward enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Magdeburg, scoring 17 goals in just 21 league appearances. His goals proved invaluable as he almost single-handedly guided the club to safety in the 2. Bundesliga, helping them avoid relegation by a narrow two-point margin.
Interestingly, Zukowski did not begin his career as a striker. Earlier in his development, he played primarily as a right-back, a role that helped shape his athleticism, defensive awareness, and physicality. Since moving further forward, those qualities have made him an aggressive and difficult opponent for defenders, combining strength with intelligent movement inside the penalty area.
His return of 0.83 goals per 90 minutes during the season highlights his efficiency in front of goal. Given his age, versatility, and likely affordable transfer fee, Zukowski could offer Southampton exceptional value while adding a different dimension to their attack.
Will Lankshear
Another player who deserves close attention is Tottenham Hotspur prospect Will Lankshear.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Oxford United, where he gained valuable Championship experience despite the club ultimately suffering relegation. Playing in a struggling side is rarely easy for a young striker, yet Lankshear still managed to score 11 league goals, demonstrating composure, intelligent positioning, and a willingness to shoulder responsibility in difficult circumstances.
Perhaps even more encouraging was the fact that he scored almost exactly in line with his expected goals figure of 11.08, suggesting his finishing was both efficient and sustainable rather than the product of good fortune.
A move to Southampton could provide Lankshear with the ideal environment to continue his development. Surrounded by creative players capable of consistently supplying quality chances, he could significantly improve his goal return while continuing to refine his all-around game. With another year of Championship football under his belt, he appears ready to take the next step in his career.
Richard Kone
Queens Park Rangers forward Richard Kone is another exciting young striker who could be prepared for a bigger challenge this summer.
After joining QPR from Wycombe Wanderers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Kone adapted impressively to Championship football. In his debut season at that level, he scored 10 league goals while displaying pace, power, and an eye for goal that suggests there is still considerable room for growth.
Like Lankshear, Kone’s goal tally closely reflected his expected goals numbers, reinforcing the idea that his performances were built on consistent attacking quality rather than unsustainable finishing.
Joining Southampton could help unlock another level of his game. With stronger creative support and a side expected to spend more time attacking, Kone would likely receive a greater volume of scoring opportunities, potentially allowing him to develop into one of the Championship’s most productive forwards.
Southampton Must Invest in the Future
As Southampton continue rebuilding their squad, recruiting players with the potential to eventually perform in the Premier League should remain a central part of their transfer strategy. Mateusz Zukowski, Will Lankshear, and Richard Kone all possess the attributes, age profile, and long-term upside to fit that vision.
Replacing Ross Stewart will not be straightforward, but it presents Southampton with a valuable opportunity to strengthen an important position. Following the disappointment of missing out on Damion Downs last summer, the Saints now have another chance to secure a striker capable of making an immediate impact while also developing into a key player for years to come.
The responsibility now falls on Johannes Spors and Tonda Eckert to identify the right candidate. If Southampton get this decision right, they will significantly strengthen their chances of achieving promotion and building a squad capable of competing at the highest level once again.If you’d like, I can also rewrite this in a FanSided-style feature with more engaging transitions and stronger editorial analysis.
