Southampton will make their loan signing of Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis a permanent one should they secure promotion to the Premier League this season, according to journalist Simon Stone.
The Saints secured the services of the England under-21 captain on a season-long deal earlier this morning as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion. It’s set to be a busy day at St Mary’s, with both incomings and outgoings expected. Sunderland’s Ross Stewart looks set to complete his £10 million move from Championship rivals Sunderland, whilst a double raid on the Black Cats is in the offing following their £5 million bid for midfielder Patrick Roberts.
Harwood-Bellis is the first through the door today though, returning to the second tier after playing a prominent role in Burnley’s title winning campaign last season. The 21-year-old was also linked with a move to Leeds United, but Southampton swooped late to steal the centre-back from under the noses of their Championship rivals.
Although initially a one-season deal, Russell Martin’s team will have the opportunity to make the transfer a permanent one should they secure promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis loan to @SouthamptonFC. Obligation to buy IF Saints get promoted.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) September 1, 2023
Adding to that further, fellow BBC journalist Lewis Coombes claims that the obligation to buy clause stands at around £20 million.
The South coast team have enjoyed a good start to the season, winning three and drawing one of their opening four league fixtures. This sees them sit in fourth, two points behind leaders Leicester City. They will have a chance to strengthen their position tomorrow afternoon when they host struggling Sunderland at St Mary’s.
Writer’s View
This is a smart deal for Southampton and appears to be risk free. On the one hand, they have secured the services of one of the most highly-rated defenders in English football, but will only have to pay a fee should they return to the Premier League.
What is even more impressive about this deal is that the Saints do have the financial clout to have made a permanent offer up-front following the big money sales of the likes of Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse, Tino Livramento and Nathan Tella. However, Harwood-Bellis perhaps had a say on that too and he will certainly harbour ambitions of playing in the top flight on a regular basis. Whether that is with Southampton remains to be seen.
