Theo Walcott signs permanent deal for Saints

Southampton have confirmed that they have reached an agreement that will see forward Theo Walcott sign permanently for the Saints.

Former academy starlet Walcott returned to St Mary’s on a season-long loan last year and was set to become a free agent in the summer with his Everton deal expiring. However, he will now pen a two-year contract with Southampton when his current deal with the Toffees runs out at the end of June.

In total, Walcott has made 22 appearances and scored three goals since rejoining the Saints, most recently scoring in Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Fulham.

Speaking about his permanent return to the club he left as a teenager, Walcott said: “I’m not sure I can properly express how happy I am about this. Southampton is a club that means so much to me, and it has been incredibly special for me to have spent this season back at St Mary’s. But to now have the opportunity to return for a further two years means such a great deal to me, both personally and professionally.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the club, my teammates and the fans for making me feel so welcome back here, and I can’t wait to continue pulling on the shirt in the next couple of seasons. Hopefully in that time we can make a few more special memories too.

“I would also like to say thank you to everyone at Everton, who have been so good to me throughout my time with the club, and I wish them every success in the future.”

Theo x #SaintsFC ✨

An unbreakable bond ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uNbLKqZjkB

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 18, 2021