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# Southampton sign back-up goalkeeper George Long permanently | Daily Echo

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 8 Jun
- **Club:** Southampton
- **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26175054.southampton-expected-sign-back-up-goalkeeper-permanently/?ref=rss

SAINTS have completed the permanent signing of back-up goalkeeper George Long after he spent last season on loan at St Mary's.

Long, 32, has penned a two-year contract after making one FA Cup appearance, against Leicester, while on loan from Norwich last season.

Long arrived in the 2025 summer window to be the third-choice goalkeeper, but was promoted to second choice following Alex McCarthy's injury.

McCarthy and veteran Jamie Jones are signed to deals set to expire at the end of next month, leaving Saints needing to build keeper depth.

Long, who had one year left on contract with the Canaries, has committed his future to St Mary's and will serve as back-up to Daniel Peretz.

George Long's only Southampton appearance came in the FA Cup against Leicester City. (Image: Stuart Martin)

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Long said: “[I'm] absolutely delighted, I was here last season on loan and to make it a permanent deal, I'm absolutely over the moon.

"It’s an exciting couple of years ahead. Hopefully next season we can finish what we didn’t get to do last season and get promoted.”

Technical director Johannes Spors said: “George’s contribution should not be underestimated as a key part of our goalkeeping group.

"[His] professionalism is invaluable in driving standards at Staplewood day in, day out. I am delighted that he has chosen to extend his stay with us.”

Saints confirmed the permanent signing of Peretz, who has signed a four-year deal after a successful stint on loan from Bayern Munich, on Friday.

"We, as a goalkeeper group, with Longy, with Floody [keeper coach Ryan Flood], work really hard every day to improve ourselves," Peretz said of the keeper group in February.

Long has more than 300 games under his belt in English football across spells with Sheffield United, Hull City, Millwall and Norwich, amongst others.