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First Team

Stacey signs for AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of highly-rated defender Jack Stacey.

The 23-year-old right-back arrives from Luton Town for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Vitality Stadium.

Stacey began his career at Reading, rising through the youth system to make six first team appearances for his local club.

Having spent time on loan at Barnet, Carlisle United and Exeter City, Stacey joined Luton permanently in the summer of 2017 and quickly established himself at Kenilworth Road.

In his first season he played a key role as the Hatters climbed out of League Two, before making it back-to-back promotions last term as Luton secured the League One title at the first attempt.

Stacey made 95 appearances for Luton in all competitions, scoring five goals, and picked up three player of the season awards for his performances in 2018/19.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Stacey told afcbTV.

“There were a few clubs interested but Bournemouth was always the one I saw myself at.

“This is a great club with a fantastic manager who helps establish young players, so that made it an easy decision in the end.

“I believe I can thrive here and I can’t wait to get started.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “Jack is a talented player and someone we have been tracking for a while, so I am delighted that we have been able to get this deal done.

“We have spent the last few years building an exciting squad and this is another young, homegrown player with huge potential to add to that.

“I am looking forward to watching Jack’s development under our manager, Eddie Howe, and his coaching staff.”

Stacey is the Cherries’ second summer arrival following the signing of England Under-21 international Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City in May.