YOUNG midfielder Barnaby Williams has signed a new multi-year contract with Saints, tying him down at St Mary’s until 2029.
Williams has had a year to remember, after battling back from a significant injury to return to action in the academy at the end of the 2024/25 season.
The 19 year old was involved in a collision while in the passenger seat of a car, forcing him to miss months of football in the under-18s.
Williams has since emerged in the senior team under Tonda Eckert and made his first-team debut in the Championship against Sheffield Wednesday in November.
The under-21s regular was also part of the academy cohort that powered Saints into the last 16 of the FA Cup in a memorable win over Leicester City.
After signing a contract extension last summer, Williams has now penned terms on a new deal that secures his long-term future on the south coast.
“If you asked me this six months ago, I would never say I’d be in this situation. I’ve just taken every opportunity,” said Williams.
“I would probably say again that this has been the best six months of my career. In the short term, I want to keep on playing how I’m playing with the Under-21s.
“Any opportunity that gets given to me, [I want to] make sure to take it. Long term, I want to try and get as many first-team appearances as I can.”
Director of group talent strategy, Andy Goldie, added: “After an incredibly challenging season, Barnaby has bounced back even stronger.
“He is regularly impressing with the Under-21s and grabbing his opportunities with the First Team.
“This contract not only rewards him for this but also provides him with the platform to truly fulfil his undoubted potential.”
Williams has made 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 this season, helping Adam Lallana’s side sit sixth in the division at present.
The under-21s have two more games – against Leeds United at home and Stoke City away – before they take on the PL2 play-offs.
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