Harwood-Bellis completes permanent move
Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm Taylor Harwood-Bellis has today finalised his permanent move to St Mary’s on a four-year contract.
The 22-year-old central defender joined on loan from Manchester City last summer, playing a key role as the Men’s First Team achieved promotion back to the Premier League.
That activated a clause in the agreement that allowed his move to become a permanent one, with Harwood-Bellis’s new deal beginning from today.
Featuring 46 times and contributing to six goals, Harwood-Bellis missed just two Championship games for Russell Martin’s side last season, following his arrival on transfer deadline day in September.
After back-to-back Championship promotions in loan spells with Burnley and then Saints, the young defender is now ready to test himself against the best in the top flight.
“It’s no secret how much I enjoyed being here last season, so I’m delighted to officially become a Southampton player ahead of the new season,” said Harwood-Bellis.
“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 and I can’t wait to get going and to see all the lads again.”
Men’s First Team Manager Russell Martin said: “We’ve had nothing but good words to say about Taylor since he joined the club last season. Not only with his performances but how he’s fit into the group.
“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.”
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