New deal is alright for Dwight
The January transfer window will be open for just ten more days and it is looking less and less likely that there will be any incomings at Turf Moor, but the best news of all has arrived this afternoon with that of a new deal for Dwight McNeil.
He’s certainly been fast tracked and with some justification. It was as recent as the summer of 2016 when he started his two year scholarship having been with the club previously for just two years following his release from Manchester United.
He did so well in the youth team during that 2016/17 season, our last in the Youth Alliance League, to see him pushed into the under-23s last season, a season that ended with a later substitute appearance in the first team.
He got his first starts too at the beginning of this season, playing against Olympiacos, Manchester United and then Burton in three different competitions, but the last few weeks have seen him almost demand a regular place since coming into the team for the last five games.
He’s scored a goal, he’s had an assist and that’s all added to some very good performances that have left you forgetting that he’s just a teenager playing his first few games while the club’s position with him looked secure with a contract running until the end of next season with us having a further year’s option.
Today though came the news that Dwight has now signed a new deal until the end of the 2022/23 season with a further year option that could take it to the summer of 2024. That’s beyond the contract dates for every other player including James Tarkowski and Ben Gibson who are both contracted until 2022.
McNeil said: “A lot has happened in a short space of time and I’m happy to have signed a new deal. I hadn’t really thought this far ahead but I’m just happy it’s come so soon. The main aim was to sign it so I can focus on my football and I’ve done that now so I can focus and crack on with what I’m doing.”
Speaking about his progress to date, he added: “I think I’ve taken my opportunity well and hopefully I can build on that. Hopefully I can stay in the team and really focus on this season. I think we’re doing well and we’ve got to keep that form going. It’s a dream staying in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world and you always want to stay and play in the Premier League.
Today’s news is superb for McNeil, for the club and for us, the supporters. We have enjoyed his performances so far and seen the potential he has. It’s just the news we wanted, to know he’s going to be with us for the next four to five years.
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