Why Bournemouth have done well by offering fresh terms to Sam Surridge
England Under-21 international Sam Surridge has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Bournemouth. The striker, who came through the academy set-up at the club, has committed his future to the Cherries until at least the summer of 2024.
Surridge has had loan spells in the English Football League with Yeovil, Oldham and most recently Swansea – where he was recalled from on New Year’s Day. The 21-year-old scored seven times in all competitions for Swansea.
The 6ft 3in striker is no stranger to loan spells. Having gone through the system with the Cherries, Surridge has also spent time on loan with Weymouth, Poole Town, Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic. While at Yeovil in 2017/18, he netted 10 goals 53 in appearances, featuring in their FA Cup clash with Manchester United.
Spending the first half of last season on loan at Oldham Athletic, he netted 12 goals in 20 games for the League Two outfit.
The 21-year-old enjoyed his short stint in South Wales where he netted seven goals in 23 games for the Swans. However, following an injury crisis at the Vitality, Cherries boss Eddie Howe decided to recall the striker and has handed him a new long-term deal.
While Surridge has been handed a new long-term deal, it remains to be seen if he will receive a place in the Cherries’ starting line-up for this weekend’s FA Cup meeting with Luton. Joshua King is set to miss the third-round clash with a hamstring injury which should free up a spot for Surridge to lead the line.
Bournemouth have struggled this season and find themselves caught in a relegation battle. Injuries have not helped them either, with King being the latest casualty.
Surridge deserves this new contract following his hard during his recent loan spell at Swansea. It was a good move by the Cherries to tie him down till 2024. Also, with the future of Ryan Fraser hanging in the air, Surridge might get the chance to play in the first team.
He went on to make his Premier League debut in February last season at the age of just 20 and has made another senior club appearance under Eddie Howe so far.
