David Sullivan made to look a fool as West Ham back in for player Pep Guardiola raved about
West Ham United are set to revive their interest in Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
It was reported on Friday afternoon that West Ham have been showing an interest in Harwood-Bellis, who is currently in the Championship with Southampton.
However, it was also reported that Southampton had no intention of selling the one-cap England international, seemingly putting an end to that.
But talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has since provided an update to suggest that West Ham could yet go back in for Harwood-Bellis.
While that is good news for West Ham, it will leave supporters questioning – once again – the decision making of David Sullivan last summer.
West Ham set to revive Taylor Harwood-Bellis interest
At this stage, West Ham do not appear to have gone as far as making an approach for Harwood-Bellis, who would be a great addition at the London Stadium should he arrive.
It should be remembered, though, that West Ham were presented with an opportunity to sign Harwood-Bellis in the summer window.
Indeed, they could have had Harwood-Bellis and fellow former England youth international Charlie Cresswell – two players who can generate hefty fees all things considered.
The reason those deals didn’t go through? Sullivan only fancied loan deals for both players without the option of making it permanent.
It was reported at the time that Southampton wanted a respectable £2.5million upfront for the loan and then up to £17.5m overall to make it permanent.
Had the Hammers had Harwood-Bellis at the back from August, they may not find themselves in the relegation zone right now.
What did Pep Guardiola previously say about Harwood-Bellis?
All that said, Harwood-Bellis’ stock has not exactly risen over the past five months as he has been down in the Championship.
Still, the England international is clearly destined for far bigger things and he would be a superb get if West Ham follow through with this initial interest.
Pep Guardiola seemed reluctant to let Harwood-Bellis leave Manchester City in 2023, but accepted the defender needed to play regularly at one club, rather than being constantly loaned out.
Speaking in 2024, after Harwood-Bellis had returned to City with his new side, Guardiola said: “I’m so happy for him because he’s a lovely guy.
“I’m happy that he’s settling in the Premier League. He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set-pieces and a composer when they have the ball.”
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, meanwhile, Guardiola hailed Harwood-Bellis’ “exceptional mentality”.
While it is true the 24-year-old’s career has gone backwards rather than forwards, a move to a club like West Ham – slightly later than it should have happened – could be the perfect way to kickstart his career.
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