Cambridge United confirm Liam Bennett and Sullay Kaikai have both signed new two-year contracts
Liam Bennett and Sullay Kaikai have both agreed new contracts with Cambridge United.
As it stood, the pair were due to depart the Cledara Abbey Stadium as free agents at the end of the month.
However, the duo have now put pen to paper on fresh terms to give the club a boost heading into next season in League Two.
Full-back Bennett, who has signed a two-year contract, has made 133 appearances for the U’s since his arrival five years ago from non-league AFC Sudbury.
And following the squad departures at the end of last season, the 23-year-old is now the club’s longest serving player.
Bennett said: “I am delighted to be staying with the club. Last year was frustrating for everyone, but it’s time to look forward now.
“I have been here long enough to know what Cambridge United is all about and it’s important that we get back to winning games of football.
“The club means a lot to me and I want to be part of its next successful chapter. Under the leadership of Neil (Harris, manager) and Bonz (Mark Bonner, director of football), I believe that this season can be an exciting one and a positive step towards getting this club back to where it belongs.”
Meanwhile, head coach Neil Harris added: “I am delighted that Liam has decided to stay at the football club. he certainly wasn’t short of options and he is a very talented full back at the level.
“He has been a consistent performer for the football club for a period of time now and offers us variety with his ability to play as both a full-back and wing-back.
"We look forward to continue working on his development and I think Liam will certainly thrive working with Adam (Barrett, assistant head coach(, who will implement a strong defensive structure and culture.”
Like Bennett, attacker Kaikai has also tied himself to the club until the summer of 2027.
The 29-year-old has so far made 102 appearances across two spells in a Cambridge shirt.
He said: “I am grateful and excited to extend my stay at Cambridge. The head coach and club have expressed the direction that we want to go in, and I am very keen to be a part of that.
“There’s a real sense of optimism around the place so I’m really looking forward to this next chapter at the club.”
Harris added: “SK will certainly benefit from a full pre-season and working with the new sports science team over the course of the summer and into next season.
“When he is fit and firing, he will be an absolute handful for defenders in League Two. His output in his numbers and performances whilst I have been head coach have been very impressive – he offers variety to us either wing, but I also believe he can play higher up the pitch as a striker.”
