Smallbone signs a new three-year contract with Saints
Midfielder Will Smallbone has signed a new three-year contract, Southampton Football Club has confirmed
A Saint since the age of eight, the 23-year-old has penned a new deal until 2026, extending his commitment to the club to close to 20 years.
Marking his senior debut with a goal against Huddersfield in January 2020, the Republic of Ireland international made 18 first team appearances either side of an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2021, before spending last season on loan at Stoke City in the Championship.
Excelling with Alex Neil’s side where he made 46 appearances, Smallbone has returned to the south coast and emerged as a key cog in Russell Martin’s side.
Commenting on his new deal, Smallbone said: “It's been in the works for a little while now, so I'm happy to finally get it over the line and looking forward to the future.
“And for me coming back, not being here last year, coming back and seeing the change and everything that's happened has been a breath of fresh air.
I was really excited to work with the manager having played against them last year and their style of play, I thought it was something that would really help me. And yeah, it's only grown since I've come back, that belief and positivity in the side and myself, I've really enjoyed it.”
Director of Football Jason Wilcox said: “Will has been here since the age of eight and knows exactly what it means to play for this club.
“He has really bought into Russell’s philosophy and has already shown how important he is to our project and I’m delighted he has signed this new contract.”