According to reports, Southampton’s promotion to the Premier League will improve Manchester City’s summer transfer budget by £20 million.
This cash bonanza is the result of a transaction involving Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who joined Southampton on loan last summer with the option to make the move permanent if the club was promoted.
The Saints defeated Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship Playoff final at Wembley Stadium over the weekend, securing their instant return to the top division following their relegation in the 2022-23 season.
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The 22-year-old has previously been on loan at Blackburn, Burnley, Stoke City, and Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League.
According to talkSPORT, Southampton’s promotion means Harwood-Bellis’ loan will become permanent under the conditions of the initial deal signed with Manchester City last summer.
According to the report, the Saints would pay the Premier League champions £20 million for the center-back following their victory at Wembley. These money are likely to help Pep Guardiola strengthen his squad ahead of their title defence next season.
Harwood-Bellis is the fifth player in the previous two years to move from Etihad Stadium to St Mary’s, including Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, Samuel Edozie, and Shea Charles.
Throughout the season, the center defense has been a steady presence for the Saints, appearing in 46 games and scoring twice across all competitions.
Harwood-Bellis completes permanent move to Southampton
Following their Playoff victory, the defender expressed his immense joy at officially joining Southampton.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Harwood-Bellis said, “I can’t put it into words, it’s different because I know I’m a Southampton player now”.
“I wanted to stay here and to know that we’ll be in the Premier League and there’s not even a discussion to happen now [with Man City] and to just turn up for pre-season, I can’t describe that feeling.”
The 22-year-old initially joined City’s academy in 2008 and made his debut for the first team at the age of 17 in 2019. During his time with the club, he made eight appearances and scored one goal.
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