Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has signed a contract extension

Obafemi, 18, became Saints’ second-youngest player to play in the Premier League when he made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in January 2018.

The striker, who joined the club from Leyton Orient in 2016, will remain at the club until at least 2022 and expressed his delight over the extension.

Michael Obafemi

Obafemi said: “It's a good day. I'm happy that it's done and now I'm looking to move forward. 

 “I'll always be thankful to the club for sticking by me, and I just want to show everyone what I've got.

 “I'm determined to show the fans and everyone at the club why I've been given a three-and-a-half-year deal.”

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has previously claimed that he prefers using younger players in his team due to their willingness to learn.

And following Obafemi’s return to fitness, the Austrian is backing the striker to have a ‘big impact’ on Saints’ run-in until the end of the season.

Hasenhuttl said: “Young players like Michael represent a big part of the future of Southampton, so this is an important day for him and also for the club.

Michael Obafemi and Ralph Hasenhuttl embrace

“Already, he has shown to me he can have a big impact in our games and, with the right guidance and also with the right approach from him, I think this influence will increase.

“This is a big day for Michael, but I think what is most important now is that he realises this is the start for him, and that he must use this as a base to make the next steps in his development.

“There is still a great amount of potential for Michael to fulfil and a lot for him to achieve, and this is the best place for him to do it, so he must focus on working as hard and professionally as possible to make sure he becomes the player I believe he can be.”