17-year-old Tyreke Johnson has today put pen to paper on a lucrative two-and-a-half year deal with Southampton Football Club, the club website has announced.
The winger couldn’t have possibly dreamt about a better birthday present than signing his first ever professional contract, a deal which will see him at the club until at least 2018.
“It’s a brilliant way to celebrate my birthday. As a young kid i’ve been dreaming about this moment and it has eventually come.” Johnson told reporters.
Johnson, who started his career at the likes of Watford and Swindon Town, joined the saints set-up in 2014 where he has made a massive impact.
The youngster has been in fine form for Craig Fleming’s under-18 side this season with goals against Brighton, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Tyreke then went on to make his debut for the under-21 side last Monday before fulfilling his boyhood dreams today
“It has been an amazing week, having scored at the weekend, got my call up for the first under-21 game and now my professional contract.” Johnson said.
“I have to continue working hard, get a few more good performances under my belt and just take it week by week,” he added.
Southampton are known worldwide for the excellent youth facilities here a St Mary’s and their ability to bring players through.
Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain just to name a few, and Johnson hopes he can follow in their foot steps.
“We’ve all seen Southampton have produced a lot of big players and hopefully I can progress in the same way that they have,” he said.
Johnson is expected to feature in Southampton’s under-21’s clash with Chelsea next Monday evening.
