GOLD Coast has landed a major coup by securing the signature of highly talented key forward Ben King for the next three years.

Already signed for 2020, King has re-committed to the Suns until at least the end of 2022.

It comes less than a week after St Kilda revealed plans to pair King with brother Max at Moorabbin at the end of 2020.

Taken at pick No.6 in the 2018 NAB AFL National Draft, Ben played 14 games – all losses – for the Suns in his debut season.

The Suns are expected to confirm the news later on Monday morning.

It looms as a major day in the Suns' history after the club's recent issues with retaining talent. 

Ben King celebrates a goal against the Bombers in R19. Picture: AFL Photos

Since 2016, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, Tom Lynch and Steven May have walked out on the club and moved to Victorian clubs.

Exciting Suns pair Callum Ah Chee (set to go to Brisbane) and Jack Martin (Carlton) are also expected to find new homes in the next three days. 

King's re-signing follows the path set by fellow draftee Izak Rankine (2022) and youngsters Ben Ainsworth (2022) and Jack Bowes (2024) at the Suns this year.

Throughout 2019 we've re-signed 15 players and the playing group deserves strong acknowledgement in building great relationships and continuing to do what is best for the club - Mark Evans

"Since the end of the season I've taken the opportunity to reflect on my first year," King said.  

"I'm loving my time at the club, am excited by the challenge we have in front of us and have confidence we can achieve all we want to in the future.

"Everyone at the club has made my family and I feel extremely welcome which helped with making the transition to be a professional footballer in the AFL." 

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Suns chief executive Mark Evans heralded the news in a significant day for the club.

"Ben King's decision to extend his contract with the club is further reinforcement that the reset undertaken at the end of the 2018 season was the correct strategy to undertake," Evans said. 

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"We've made significant changes to our football program, this has been led by (football boss) Jon Haines, (list manager) Craig Cameron and (coach) Stuart Dew and it's pleasing to see players and staff buying into our vision for the club.

"Throughout 2019 we've re-signed 15 players and the playing group deserves strong acknowledgement in building great relationships and continuing to do what is best for the club."

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