Larin hails Eckert “trust” after signing permanently
Southampton striker Cyle Larin aims to continue his positive start to life in England, as he secured a permanent move to become the club’s second signing ahead of the 2026/27 season.
After scoring nine goals in his 22 matches on loan, of which only 12 were starts, Larin is set to embark on a home World Cup campaign safe in the knowledge that his future remains as a Saints player.
“I'm just very happy to be back,” the Canadian forward said, in his first interview since sealing the move.
“From the first day I came into Southampton, I think I was very welcomed by the staff, the players, and then just how it started, to score on my first touch, I think it helped very much.
“I think I just connected well with the team and the staff and we just had a great season, and I just really felt I wanted to continue.
“I enjoyed my football on the pitch and you could see the way I was playing. I came to Southampton and I trust the coach, he brought me and gave me that trust to go play free and I think he gave the whole team a structure to play free and trust each other.”
Larin cited the influence of Tonda Eckert’s management, which led to a 21-game unbeaten streak in the Sky Bet Championship, as a key factor in his decision to stay on the south coast.
“Southampton is a big club and, for me, a Premier League club but before coming when watching the games and the style of play when Tonda came, and speaking to him before I came, was an important decision.
“He gave me that trust to be able to go on the field and, first of all, know I'm going to play games and play minutes and do what I do, score goals and just help the team and build up, hold the ball, and all these things that I knew I could do.
“That was important and I think he was a big part of the team doing so well. You could see he brought a group of guys together and was able to perform at a high level each and every game.
“For the team, we know the talent we have, we know the guys we have and I think to put [a run of form] together like that is very hard in football and we did that, and a lot of guys believe we can do it again.
“It doesn't matter where we start, I think we will be right back up there at the top and show everyone it wasn't just a fluke. I think we have the guys on the team to do it and the fans to do it, and I think you don't get that a lot and I want to feel that again.”
