Southampton hand Morocco prospect Yunus Linton professional contract

Southampton have handed Moroccan youth international Yunus Linton his first professional contract after the 17-year-old received his maiden call-up to the Atlas Lions’ Under-17 squad.

The English club have secured Linton’s future with a three-year deal that will keep him at Southampton until the summer of 2029.

Southampton confirmed the agreement in a statement on their official website, with the teenager set to initially continue his development with the club’s Under-18 side.

“Linton, aged 17, has signed a three-year contract, until the summer of 2029, and will initially join the club’s under-18 team, which is coached by Andrew Surman, at the Staplewood training centre.”

Linton earns Morocco Under-17 call-up

The new contract comes shortly after Linton received his first international call-up from Morocco.

Southampton confirmed that the teenager is eligible to represent Morocco and has been selected for the country’s Under-17 team during the September international window.

Linton has been included in Ahmed Kantari’s squad for an international friendly tournament in Spain.

The call-up represents another important step in the young midfielder’s development as he combines his progress at club level with his emergence on the international stage.

Southampton secure long-term future

Linton will initially work with Southampton’s Under-18 team under former England midfielder Andrew Surman as he continues his development at the club’s Staplewood training centre.

The three-year agreement gives the Moroccan prospect a long-term pathway at Southampton as he looks to progress through the academy and eventually challenge for senior football.

His professional contract and first Morocco Under-17 call-up mark a significant period in the teenager’s early career.