CHERRIES have tied down midfielder Philip Billing to a new four-year contract.

The Dane’s future had been uncertain, as he entered the final season of the deal he previously signed upon arrival from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2019.

But speculation has now been put to bed, with Billing committing his long-term future to Cherries.

The 27-year-old has been one of Cherries’ star men in recent years, with a notable uptick in his goalscoring return since Jonathan Woodgate pushed him into a more advanced midfield role when he took over as boss in February 2021.

Billing’s overall tally now reads 29 goals from 160 appearances for the club.

Aside from a brief spell out of the side under Jason Tindall in the 2020-21 campaign, the Copenhagen-born talent has played a key role for Cherries under Eddie Howe, Woodgate, Scott Parker and Gary O’Neil.

He missed just two Premier League games last season, netting seven goals, having provided 10 goals and 10 assists in helping the club clinch promotion from the Championship.

Billing has five caps for Denmark, but missed out on final selection for last year’s World Cup.

He has played a full part in both of Cherries’ opening Premier League fixtures this season under new boss Andoni Iraola.

Upon signing the new deal, Billing said: "I’m really pleased to be staying here for another four years.

“I’ve loved my time here and the project is really exciting, the players we have bought in and the training ground developments are great things for the club.

“I want to build on last season, score more goals, add more performances to help this club establish itself in the Premier League.”

Chief executive Neill Blake added: “Everybody can see how talented Phil is and we’re delighted that his future is with us.

“He’s a valued member of the squad and it’s a real statement of the club’s ambition and intent that he’s committed his future here.

“Last season he put in some important performances and we’re looking forward to him building on an impressive campaign.”

Tieing Billing down represents a big boost for the club, avoiding the type of situation which saw Jefferson Lerma depart on a free transfer as his contract ran down.

Cherries still have a number of first-team members whose contracts are set to expire next summer, including Lloyd Kelly and Ryan Christie, the latter having publicly expressed his desire to sign a new deal were it to be offered.