Shane Long (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Mail, veteran striker Shane Long has committed his future to Southampton by signing a new two-year contract.
The 33-year-old’s current contract with the Saints was due to expire at the end of this season. However, the new deal will tie him down at St Mary’s until 2022. Long has followed in the footsteps of Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl, who recently signed a new four-year contract with the club.
Despite not being one of the regular starters within the side, Long has scored three goals and provided four assists for Southampton from a total of 24 matches this season. This gives a fair idea of the veteran striker’s worth within the current Saints line-up.
He is currently the senior-most member in the squad and is an inspiration to the side’s upcoming youngsters, having appeared in over 205 matches for them since arriving in 2014.
Long has racked up 35 goals and 26 assists in the process, giving a clear idea of his talent and potential. He has also arguably Southampton’s second-best striker behind top-scorer Danny Ings, who has an impressive 15 to his credit.
Long’s position seemed to be in jeopardy earlier this season with the arrival of striker Che Adams from Birmingham City. However, the 23-year-old has failed to live up to his expectations after his goal-scoring heroics for Birmingham in the Championship last season.
The young finisher is yet to open his account for Southampton despite featuring 22 times for them in the league this season. Southampton also have academy graduate Michael Obafemi within their ranks.
The 19-year-old Obafemi has had a breakthrough season at St. Mary’s this season after featuring 15 times in the league. However, Obafemi has managed to score just two goals and has a lot more to develop on his game.
A veteran of 313 Premier League and 128 Championship matches respectively, there is no doubt questioning Long’s experience. Having scored 115 career goals until now, Long’s longevity in the game is a lesson and motivation for his peers at Southampton.
Hence, Southampton’s decision to extend his stay at St Mary’s, by all means, looks like a step in the right direction.
Considering Adams’ and Obafemi’s displays this season, Long still remains the side’s reliable striker after first-choice man Ings. Having proved his mettle already as a goal-scoring forward all these years, his experience is a valuable asset for a struggling side like Southampton. With his game still intact despite his age, Southampton have made the right decision by extending his stay.
