Southampton confirm deal for Euro 2016 star

Southampton have confirmed that Euro 2016 champion, Cedric Soares, has signed a new four-year deal with club to keep him on the South Coast until 2020.

The 24-year-old joined the Saints from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon last summer for a fee of £4,6m and went on to make 27 appearances in all competitions over his first season, which he capped with the European Championship victory with Portugal in France, alongside teammate Jose Fonte.

The right-back has started both of the South Coast side’s Premier League games so far this season and will more than likely continue that against Sunderland on Saturday.

Speaking to the club’s official website about his new deal, the 5’6″ defender said:

“I’m really happy. The club has given me more confidence and they show me that they also trust in my football.“I am really happy to be part of this club and be part of this family as well.”

Director of Football, Les Reed added:

At just 24, he now has plenty of experience under his belt at both club and international level, and we believe he will continue to be a key part of the club’s progression for many years to come.”

This marks the seventh new contract at St. Mary’s this summer, with Cedric following the likes of Fraser Forster, Virgil Van Dijk and Shane Long in putting pen to paper on a new deal.

The Portugal international and his club teammates were drawn in Group K of the Europa League on Friday, alongside Italian giants Inter Milan as well as Sparta Prague and Israeli outfit, Hapoel Be’er Sheva.