Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton is drawing significant interest from former Champions League Winners Porto, who are believed to be sending a bid worth somewhere in the region of ยฃ20 Million towards The Recently-Relegated Saints, via a report from Alan Nixon.
Harwood-Bellis’ Journey
Harwood-Bellis only made his move from Manchester City to the South Coast permanent last campaign, but the England-Capped defender has shone for Southampton, especially in their dull Premier League campaign, registering some impressive statistics at St Maryโs last season. Harwood-Bellis is under contract with Southampton and isnโt pushing to move away this summer, however the attraction of a move to Porto as it brings a fantastic chance for the young Englishman to move abroad and play at one of the worldโs best footballing standards.
The classy centre-half reportedly enjoyed time in Anderlecht playing football as a kid and has also gained interest across Europe, with Premier League Burnley also showing interest to strike a deal for the Southampton Defender this summer. There is hope amongst these clubs that Southampton would accept selling Harwood-Bellis this summer, as the quality he could bring to a large-scale European side would be monumental. Is a big move at this stage right for Harwood-Bellis?
Could This Be The Right Move?
Despite the big opportunities suddenly emerging for the Southampton Star, would a move away from St. Maryโs to a big European Side be a step too soon?
Quite possibly, yes. Despite a brilliant season with The Saints in the Premier League, proving himself against some of Englandโs best, the 23-year-old just doesnโt seem quite ready yet for a move to a European Giant. Although the statistics back his brilliant form, experience has been hard to come by on the biggest stages, as Harwood-Bellis only endured his first real test against some of the elites last season on the South Coast.
However, if he were to get another year or so with Southampton and prove himself once again, then a European move for the England Ace could really be on the cards at a similar time in the calendar next year. Despite this, though, Porto are showing their bravery having already put the money down on the table, leaving Southampton in a situation where itโs up to them as to what approach they take. Do they stay firm and try to keep Harwood-Bellis at St Maryโs, or will they be forced to let him go if the price is right from somebody of Portoโs strength.
Where would Harwood-Bellis move leave Saints? If the Southampton Defender was to leave this summer, it wouldnโt leave The Saints completely out of defensive cover.
Within their ranks, Jan Bednarek, Ronnie Edwards and other players as optional replacements, but maybe Will Stillโs side will look for another quality addition instead…
Should The Saints Sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis?
If The Saints were to look away from their current squad for a replacement, there isnโt really anyone that should be on their radar as of current. It would have to be someone of real quality that can fill in to play a similar role to what Harwood-Bellis offers at the minute, and that may be difficult. What do you think. Is the England Defender ready for his next big step, or should he stick at Southampton? Let us know in the comments below.
