so sad to leave: Taylor Harwood-Bellis announces his leaving after the match due to his

so sad to leave: Taylor Harwood-Bellis announces his leaving after the match due to his

Taylor Harwood-Bellis will not secure a third consecutive Premier League promotion after helping Southampton return to the top-flight with their victory over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The 22-year-old center back, a fixture in the England youth national teams, has enjoyed promotion campaigns with Burnley and Southampton during his recent loans from Manchester City.

This second promotion has activated a clause in his loan agreement, making his move to Southampton permanent as they head back to the Premier League next season.

Reflecting on the achievement, Harwood-Bellis told the BBC, “I’m at a loss for words. It’s different because now I’m a Southampton player and I can’t describe the feeling. I wanted to stay here and achieving this makes it even better. To be in the Premier League without any uncertainty, knowing I’ll just report for preseason, is indescribable.”

Harwood-Bellis played a crucial role in Southampton’s defensive strategy, averaging nearly 88 completed passes per game and making 4.7 long passes per 90 minutes under coach Russell Martin. He was also a top performer in clearances and blocks.

The clause, reportedly around $25 million, marks Southampton’s first acquisition of the summer season.

In addition to his time at Burnley and Southampton, Harwood-Bellis had loan spells at Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, and Stoke City, and made eight cup appearances for Manchester City. He will turn 23 in January and was part of the U-21 EURO-winning team in 2023.