Obafemi signs new deal

The 18-year-old Academy graduate put pen to paper on the deal, which runs until 2022, on Wednesday afternoon, as he further strengthened his commitment with the club.

Obafemi has been another success story from Southampton's youth set-up, developing at a rapid pace under the guidance of the club's coaches since being recruited from Leyton Orient in 2016.

He made his senior debut as a 17-year-old at home to Tottenham Hotspur, in January 2018 – becoming the second-youngest player to feature for the club in the Premier League – and this season has realised even more of his potential, establishing himself as an important part of the first-team squad under new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl.

A prolific scorer for both the Under-23s and Under-18s, the forward netted his first senior goal in December's 3-1 win at Huddersfield, and has now made seven first-team appearances for the club, while he also made his senior debut for Republic of Ireland this season.

Michael Obafemi commented: “It's a good day. I'm happy that it's done and now I'm looking to move forward.

“I'll always be thankful to the club for sticking by me, and I just want to show everyone what I've got.

“I'm determined to show the fans and everyone at the club why I've been given a three-and-a-half-year deal.”

this is a big day for michael, but what is most important now is that he realises this is the start for him.

ralph hasenhüttl
southampton manager

Ralph Hasenhüttl commented: “Young players like Michael represent a big part of the future of Southampton, so this is an important day for him and also for the club.

“Already, he has shown to me he can have a big impact in our games and, with the right guidance and also with the right approach from him, I think this influence will increase.

“This is a big day for Michael, but I think what is most important now is that he realises this is the start for him, and that he must use this as a base to make the next steps in his development.

“There is still a great amount of potential for Michael to fulfil and a lot for him to achieve, and this is the best place for him to do it, so he must focus on working as hard and professionally as possible to make sure he becomes the player I believe he can be.”