Southampton have confirmed the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis on loan from Manchester City for the season.
The 21-year old won the Championship last season with Burnley and will be looking to replicate that at St Mary’s this season.
Last season he made 35 appearances and played a key role in a record breaking side.
His performances saw him called up, as captain, to the England Under 21s squad ahead of the European Championships.
He went onto lift the trophy as England prevailed over Spain in the final, capping off an excellent year for him.
What has Taylor Harwood-Bellis said about joining Southampton?
The centre back has been after a move all window, with plenty of clubs showing interest in him.
Given his Championship experience, he is a no brainer for Russell Martin’s side.
On the move, Harwood-Bellis said: “I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait to get going. The willingness from their side to get me in the door.
“When I spoke to the manager, I think it was straight after then that I knew.”
With several first team options leaving the defence, a centre back was something Martin wanted.
This is something the Englishman understood: “I felt the warmth of the manager and he explained to me exactly what he wants to do and the ambitions of the club that suited exactly where I am in my career.
“Where I want to be going forward, and I can hopefully do it under the manager here.”
The centre back is reported to have an option to buy in the deal and if Southampton get promoted he could be of great use.
Looking forward to the season ahead: “I want to win, I obviously had a taste of that this summer, but my aspiration is to become a better footballer as well.
“I feel like I can do that along the way and learn different styles and different ways to play football and I feel like the manager, the staff and the team here can help me do that.”
A top player and a great signing who could take Saints to the next level.