SAINTS announce that talented young attacker, Diamond Edwards, has signed a contract extension with the club until June 2025.

Edwards, who joined the club at 16 years old from Reading, signed his first professional contract in December 2020.

The promising 19-year-old has been sidelined with an ACL injury since October but has made excellent progress in the academy and earned a call-up to the pre-season training camp in Austria.

After registering two assists in his first three appearances at Premier League 2 level, he was part of the trio of academy stars who made their professional debuts in the EFL Cup against Cambridge United in August.

Read more: Date and time details confirmed for Jones's first home match as Saints boss

His injury will likely keep him out for the majority of the season but Edwards explained that the reward of an extended contract felt like a show of faith in his ability from the club.

Daily Echo: Diamond Edwards is one of the B team's leading prospects (Pic: Ricky Hart)

“It feels good, coming from an injury and still being injured it’s very relieving to be in this position,” he said.

“This gives me more motivation and drive to keep striving forward through this tough period, but it’s also allowed me to come to terms with my injury and focus on the rehab.

“I’ve been making some good strides (during rehab), reaching milestones and it’s been a lot of progress.

“It’s good to know that the club trusts me and knows what I’m capable of, and backs me 100 per cent of the way. That security lets me focus on coming back even stronger.”

On the news, academy director, Matt Hale, added: “Diamond’s recognition by first team staff this season highlights what the club feel about his talent. 

“He is an exciting, attacking player and has superb creativity with the ball. We are confident Diamond will add time to his first team minutes over the next 12 months and beyond.

“We are particularly pleased for Diamond given that he’s currently recovering from a long-term injury.

"This provides him with a good level of security and safety in the knowledge that we recognise his potential and want to ensure he has the confidence of the club’s support.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.