Southampton has secured their return to the top-flight with a thrilling victory over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis played a significant role in their possession game. The 22-year-old defender, who has been part of successful promotion campaigns with Burnley and Southampton during his loan spells from Manchester City, had his loan clause triggered by the Saints’ promotion, making his move to Southampton permanent for the upcoming Premier League season.
Harwood-Bellis expressed his joy at becoming a permanent Southampton player after securing promotion, emphasizing his desire to stay with the team and play in the Premier League. He noted that there will be no discussions about his future, as he is committed to returning for preseason. The young center-back showcased strong passing statistics and defensive contributions under coach Russell Martin.
The clause in Harwood-Bellis’s loan deal is reportedly worth around $25 million, making him Southampton’s first signing of the summer transfer window. His loan experiences with Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, and Stoke City, along with his cup appearances for Manchester City, have contributed to his development as a player. Winning the U-21 EURO in 2023 and turning 23 in January, Harwood-Bellis is poised for a promising future in the Premier League.
Southampton fans are excited about Harwood-Bellis joining their squad for the upcoming season. The defender’s impressive performances on loan have shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football. With Russell Martin coaching him on how to improve defensively and pass effectively, Harwood-Bellis will be an asset to Southampton’s team.
The thrilling victory over Leeds United was not only an important milestone for Harwood-Bellis but also for Southampton as a whole. They are now set to compete against some of the best teams in Europe next season. Fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for this exciting young defender and how he will fit into Southampton’s plans moving forward.
Overall, Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s promotion with Southampton marks an exciting new chapter in his career. With his talent on display on loan spells from Manchester City and now as a permanent member of Southampton’s squad, he is set to make an impact in the Premier League next season.
