DOMINIC Solanke has signed a new deal to extend his stay at Cherries to the summer of 2026.

The striker's previous contract was thought to be set to expire in two years' time, but he has now been rewarded for a fine 2021-22 campaign with fresh terms.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake told the club's website: “This is a big moment for AFC Bournemouth.

"Dom was pivotal to our success last year and to secure his future with us is a significant signal of intent from the club.

"He is a highly impressive individual both on and off the pitch and the fact he has chosen to sign this deal speaks volumes for us as a football club.

"We are all excited to continue working with Dom and look forward to seeing him operate at the very top level where he belongs.”

Solanke joined Cherries from Liverpool for an initial £17.5million in January 2019.

It took him some time to find his feet on the south coast, enduring a 12-month goal drought, before finally finding the net after 30 goalless appearances for the club.

Following relegation from the Premier League, Solanke then became Cherries' first choice striker, after Callum Wilson departed to join Newcastle United, and Joshua King battled with fitness issues initially, before too exiting the club.

The one-time England international excelled in the second tier, particularly last season, notching 30 goals in all competitions, across his 48 outings, playing a key role in Cherries clinching promotion back to the top flight.

Now the 24-year-old is set for another crack at the Premier League, expected to start against Aston Villa in the season opener on Saturday.

The Reading-born frontman, who provides plenty more besides his goals, has now notched 49 times in 139 appearances since joining Cherries, also contributing 20 assists.