The details of Jack Stephens' future have been ironed out.
Southampton announced Friday that the 21-year-old defender put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that will keep him at St Mary's Stadium until the summer of 2019. It was also revealed that he will join Middlesbrough on a season-long loan for the 2015-16 campaign.
BREAKING: @jackstephens_18 has extended his #SaintsFC contract until 2019 and joined @Boro on a season-long loan. pic.twitter.com/AjfS7o0gIS
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 31, 2015
"I'm delighted to extend my contract," Stephens said. "This is where I want to be in the future, so this is a brilliant moment for me. This is a great opportunity for me to push on now. I loved going out on loan last season and getting the experience that I needed, and I think that's shown since I've returned.
"It's now important for me to play more games and improve as a player so I can come back to Southampton as a better player. There's going to be a bit of pressure with Middlesbrough expected to get promoted, but that can only be a good thing for me."
Stephens' season-long loan will mark his second in two years, as he spent last season on loan at Swindon Town, making 42 appearances for the club.