Southampton have announced the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City. Harwood-Bellis spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Southampton, helping them win promotion back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship. Southampton say their promotion "activated a clause in the agreement that allowed his move to become a permanent one". He has signed a four-year contract and is Saints' second senior summer signing, following the return of former player Adam Lallana on a free transfer.
“It’s no secret how much I enjoyed being here last season," Harwood-Bellis told Southampton's official website. “The feeling of bringing this club back to the Premier League and playing in front of these fans week-in and week-out has been amazing. “I’ve learnt a great deal over the past two years and developed so much as a player and as a person. To have the opportunity now to represent this club in the Premier League is really special." Manager Russell Martin added: “His excitement for the game is infectious and you can see how much he’s enjoyed being here. “He’s ready now for that step up to Premier League football, and we’re really lucky to have an exciting young defender like him at our club.”
Who is Harwood-Bellis? Harwood-Bellis is a 22-year-old central defender. He played 46 times while on loan at Southampton last season, contributing to six goals and missing only two league matches as Saints won promotion via the playoffs. It was the second successive season he helped a club win promotion to the Premier League, having played a starring role for Burnley during a loan spell in 2022/23. Before that he also had loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, as well as at Anderlecht in Belgium. Born in Stockport, Harwood-Bellis played for Man City from the age of six, developing in the same set-up that nurtured Phil Foden. He made appearances for Man City's first team in the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, but never played in the Premier League. Harwood-Bellis mas made 23 appearances for England's Under-21s, winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and being selected in the team of the tournament.
Southampton kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign at Newcastle United on Saturday 17 August. Their first pre-season friendly is on 19 July against Eastleigh.