AFC Bournemouth midfielder and former England Under-21 captain Lewis Cook has signed a new contract with the Cherries, keeping him on the south coast until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.
It has previously been reported recently that the 27-year-old had triggered a clause in his contract extending until 2026, however, this had never been officially confirmed – obviously due to ongoing discussions about this now-extended deal.
At Cook’s age, approaching the peak years of his career and heading beyond his 30’s, this would be a key contract for the midfielder, to sign a new of this length shows that the club under AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola matches Cook’s ambitions.
Cook came through the Leeds United academy and was playing for their Under 18’s side at the age of just 15, whilst at Elland Road he also broke into the England youth set-up representing England right through from Under 16’s to the Under 19’s.
He made the move to AFC Bournemouth aged just 19 in July 2016, the fee was officially undisclosed but was reported to be around £ 6 million rising to a possible £ 10 million with various add-ons.
Cook is set to surpass 250 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries in the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, Cook said…
“I love it here. I’ve been here since I was 19 and I definitely call this my home now. To extend my time here further is brilliant for me and my family.
“Coming down as a young boy was a big change but ever since I moved down here, it’s always had a family feel at the club and I am settled here now.
“Having children is a big part of that and it is a great place to bring them up. My extended family come down a lot and this is a great place to be.
“The project going forward looks very bright and I am happy to be a part of it.
“The morale is high and hopefully we can have a great season.”
Your say…
kirsikka said…
Excellent news. I think the move to a Champions League club has passed him by, lost to the injuries rather than anything he didn’t do, but it gives us continuity, experience and quality as we try to develop other young players around him.
Having a few experienced heads around that know the club is important and with Smith probably only here for one more season (although, who knows…) he’ll probably be the senior pro in 12 months time. – To join the conversation, click here.