Saints have announced that their up and coming left back Jake Vokins has signed a new deal at the club, read on for the full details
Southampton Football Club have this morning released the following statement about the latest member of the squad to sign a new deal.
Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce full-back Jake Vokins has signed a new four-year contract at St Mary’s.
The 20-year-old Academy graduate has followed up a breakthrough season by reaching a fresh agreement that runs until 2024, in a deal that would take his time with Saints past the 15-year mark.
Left-back Vokins has enjoyed a memorable campaign, which began with him making his first-team debut as a late substitute in an EFL Cup fixture away to Manchester City last October.
In January he was handed a first senior start, as Saints hosted Huddersfield Town in an FA Cup third-round fixture, with the youngster netting a stunning late strike to seal a 2-0 victory, joining fellow rising star Will Smallbone, who also recently signed a new four-year contract, on the scoresheet.
Vokins, who has represented England at both Under-17 and Under-19 level, would then go on to start his first Premier League match in the July 16th home game against Brighton, playing the entire game as the sides played out a 1-1 draw.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, who has overseen the integration of Vokins into the first-team, said: "This is more good news for the future of this team, as these young players are important for our philosophy.
"Jake has developed well this season and made some big steps forward. He has good qualities, which he has shown in matches and also in his training with us. He is calm on the ball but also brave, and I like this attribute in my players.
"He must keep working hard on his game, and we will be sure to do this with him. There are many areas that he can improve in further, so this is a good opportunity for him to make the most of his potential.”
Jake Vokins said: "It means everything, I’m super proud. I’ve been here for many years now, so to sign this contract makes me very happy.
"I got scouted when I was six and I’ve been training with the club ever since, so it’s coming up to 14 years now that I’ve been involved with Southampton. I’m just happy to extend that even longer.”
TUI Verdict
It is great to see another great prospect sign a new deal, Jake Vokins has impressed in his first team appearances so far and will now hopefully keep progressing and putting pressure on Ryan Bertrand for the left back spot in the team.