Luke Fleurs signs new SuperSport United deal 

The centre-back has been the subject of media speculation over his future and is strongly linked to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 

It was understood any team keen on Fleurs would be in a position to recruit the player on a free transfer because he was nearing the end of his existing deal and therefore appealing to many clubs. 

But Matthews revealed the 22-year-old has put pen to paper. 

“I can tell you that Luke has recommitted his future to SuperSport by agreeing to a three-and-a-half-year deal. It’s good news, and we have told the player we will not stand in his way if a good opportunity comes along,” Matthews explained. 

“The club has inserted a local and international buy-out clause should there be an offer we believe makes sense for the club and for Luke.” 

Fleurs, however, has found it tough to break into the first team and command a regular place under coach Gavin Hunt, leading to speculation. 

This week Hunt explained why the defender was behind in the pecking order and has had to settle for game time off the bench or when others are rested. 

“I’ve obviously heard the rumours [that Fleurs is unhappy], but he is part of the squad,” Hunt told journalists at the launch of the Discovery Soccer Challenge. 

“We’ve only got three centre-backs [Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Fleurs] or maybe four. He is part of the squad going forward, and until I get told otherwise, he is part of this team. The sale will always be determined by price…that’s any sell, not just him.”

The public broadcaster’s sports desk understands that SuperSport wants to hold on to Fleurs for the remainder of the current season, but the new contract now guarantees that he will not leave on a free transfer.