Dusan Tadic has joined many of his team mates in signing up to new long term deal with Southampton Football Club.
The rumour at the end of last season was that Dusan Tadic would be leaving Saints, although it was not in the press the whisper was he was disillusioned with the way he was being treated by Ronald Koeman and wanted out.
The departure of the Dutch manager to Everton gave Saints fans hope that perhaps Tadic would now stay and that has proved to be the case with the announcement that he has signed a new four year deal at St Mary's.
It perhaps shows the faith that Tadic and indeed his fellow squad members have in Claude Puel, from Tadic's perspective he has had a good two seasons at Saints, at times he was magnificent, at others not so much, but the suspicion was he was not being used to his true strengths.
Now it seems Claude Puel might do just that, he has already suggested that Tadic may be used in a more central role and that could suit the Serbian international who undoubtedly not only has an eye for goal but one for creating chances for others.
Tadic himself was appreciative of how the club were desperate to keep him now Koeman has gone, if perhaps the Dutchman was not as big a fan as some, Tadic's record in his two seasons of 13 goas and 21 assists was as good as most midfielders in the Premier in that time frame.
"I am really pleased. I have had two beautiful years here and a great connection with the supporters and everyone in the club — all the players and the staff.
"I am really happy that I have signed a new contract. The club showed a lot of effort to keep me. There were also other possibilities, but we recognised that the best is that I stay in Southampton, and I want to mention they put in a lot of effort for that, and I appreciate that."
Executive Director of Football Les Reed commented: "I am delighted that we have strengthened our commitment with Dušan, and that he has added his name to the list of players to have signed new long-term contracts in recent months.
"Dušan has been an important part of our success in the past two seasons, with his creativity offering the team a valuable dimension.
"However, it is not just his ability that makes him a key part of the squad, but also his commitment, determination and focus.
"I am confident that, under the guidance of Claude Puel, he will continue to flourish and be a central component of the squad not only this season, but in the years to come.”
Photo courtesy of Southampton Football Club