Southampton were uplifted by the news this week that James Ward-Prowse has committed to a new-five year deal at St Mary's, which is undoubtedly a huge boost for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

What's the word?

Despite transfer interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, the Saints captain has committed his long-term future to the Saints, signing a deal which keeps him contracted at the south coast club until 2026, which will surely put an end to any rumours linking him with a move away this summer.

Following the announcement, Ward-Prowse had this to say about his new deal and why he was keen to stay: “It’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve had that link away and that talk, but I think I was very keen to sit down and talk to the club and it’s worked both ways; they’ve sat me down and told me their admiration for me and the way they want me to lead the team,"

"This club has done so much for me, I can’t put into the words the opportunities and chances that they’ve given me and I’m incredibly grateful to the club for doing that.

“I’m not finished yet here, I still have a lot left to give to this football club and I want to be there leading the team and ensuring I can give everything back and repay that faith the club have shown in me since I was eight-years-old.”

During his time at Southampton, the 26-year-old has gone on to make 323 appearances for the first team, in which he has contributed 33 goals and 40 assists.

The England international has impressively played every single minute for Southampton in the last two Premier League campaigns and looks on track for another season as the driving force in Hasenhuttl's side after shaking off a pre-season injury to feature against Everton in the opening fixture.

In 2019, Hasenhuttl dubbed Ward-Prowse the "complete package" and he has only improved since then, enjoying his best season in terms of goals and assists in the 2020/21 campaign.

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Given that he was comfortably Southampton's best performer last season, it is great news for Hasenhuttl that Ward-Prowse has committed his future to the club, as he will no doubt be vital again this season if the Saints are to avoid a relegation fight.

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