One of Southampton’s seven summer signings so far this summer has been speaking about how his St Mary’s move came about.
Russell Martin has very much been building his Southampton squad from the back this summer.
Five of the seven arrivals ahead of the Saints’ Premier League return have been defenders, whilst one of the two that does not play in the backline is Flynn Downes who anchors the midfield.
Adam Lallana is the only recruit that can realistically be labelled as attacking but, with the former Liverpool man now 36, more forward-thinking reinforcements are required.
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However, it is one of the defenders who has now spoken on his Southampton move, with Charlie Taylor revealing one of his fellow arrivals played their part in the decision.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis helped convince Charlie Taylor to join Southampton
Taylor Harwood-Bellis had an exceptional season on loan at Southampton from Manchester City last time out as he helped guide the club to promotion via the Championship play-offs.
It represented his second consecutive promotion from the division, having won the league whilst on loan at Burnley a year earlier.
However, this time there was more at stake with Southampton obligated to complete the permanent signing of Harwood-Bellis for £20 million if they were promoted.
This is exactly what materialised, with everyone associated with the south coast club welcoming the 22-year-old with open arms.
Whilst on loan at Burnley, Harwood-Bellis played alongside Taylor who has now signed for free following the expiration of his Turf Moor deal and the left-back has opened up on the move, explaining the role that Harwood-Bellis played.
Taylor told the Daily Echo: “Taylor’s [Harwood-Bellis] just coming through but he’s played a lot of games to be fair for the age he’s at. He’s had a lot of experience and exposure now to football.
“I think as much as he’s learnt from me, I’ve probably learnt from him as well in different ways, and having that time together previously has helped me settle in here as well.
“When he heard about me coming to Southampton he texted me straight away, not that he needed to sell the club to me or anything.
“He had only good things to say about the manager, his staff, the players, the club as a whole. It was a huge club and just an opportunity that I felt I had to take.”
Taylor provides Southampton with Premier League know-how
One thing that is lacking from the Southampton squad is Premier League experience.
With Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong both leaving upon the expiration of their contracts this summer that problem has only been heightened.
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However, in Taylor and Lallana Southampton have brought 452 games of top flight experience which will be invaluable to the relatively young squad.
One of the biggest criticisms aimed at Southampton when they were relegated to the Championship in the 2022/23 season was the way in which the club placed too much emphasis on youth at the expense of top level nous.
That is something Martin looks to be keen to address this summer and Taylor’s addition should be a decent one with the 30-year-old a reliable performer at Premier League level.