Southampton: Walcott proud as he signs permanent two-year Saints deal

Southampton have confirmed that they have reached an agreement in principle with Theo Walcott for the forward to join the club permanently on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old has spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with Saints and will remain at St Mary’s until the summer of 2023, with the idea that he has an impact on and off the pitch.

In an official statement released on southamptonfc.com, Walcott said:

"“I’m not sure I can properly express how happy I am about this. Southampton is a club that means so much to me, and it has been incredibly special for me to have spent this season back at St Mary’s. But to now have the opportunity to return for a further two years means such a great deal to me, both personally and professionally.”"

Walcott’s value to Southampton comes on and off the field

Walcott has certainly played more than was expected when he first re-joined Saints temporarily in the summer but his impact was so good in the early season that he became a key part of a successful setup.

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His form since a hamstring injury that kept him out for around two months between February and April has not been as impactful but this is understandable for a player trying to earn a deal. A reoccurrence from pushing too hard in his comeback could have forced Saints to rethink their move here.

What has clearly been consistent is he role as one of the senior leaders in the dressing room. As one of the biggest talents to have been produced from the Staplewood academy, he knows the values that the club is built on and will be doing all he can to help the next generation.

This was evident at the weekend as Saints overcame Fulham. The game saw Nathan Tella’s first senior goal, and the youngster sprinted straight over to Walcott on the sidelines to celebrate the moment with him.

Walcott then came on as a late sub and scored Saints’ third goal of the afternoon after being set up by Tella. They clearly have a good connection after also being together at Arsenal too.

Tella is the breakthrough prospect from this campaign and there will plenty more for Walcott to help with in the next two years.