Harwood-Bellis wants to quit Southampton amid £15m West Ham transfer news
West Ham have already started to draw up a list of potential summer recruits, with Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis said to be on it.
All in all, West Ham had a fairly uneventful winter transfer window with the signing of Evan Ferguson being the only one to arrive at the London Stadium.
However, it is likely to be a very different story come the summer after what has been a relatively dull campaign for the Irons.
Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Arsenal was only their second under the stewardship of Graham Potter who arrived at the club in January, showcasing the need for reinforcement in the summer.
West Ham eye £15m summer deal for Taylor Harwood-Bellis
According to a report via the Sun on Sunday’s print edition (23 February, pg55), West Ham are looking to “rescue” Harwood-Bellis with Southampton all but set for a Championship return.
Depth at centre-back has been somewhat of a concern for West Ham, who have identified the Saints defender as a summer target.
Harwood-Bellis is said to be “up for a move” in the summer and could cost the Irons somewhere in the region of £15million if a deal were to be pursued.
West Ham were linked with the ex-City defender before he made the move to St. Mary’s and that interest appears as though it will carry on through to the next transfer window.
Summer business to be crucial for West Ham
Given the fact that West Ham have spent the majority of this season looking over their shoulder, the need for summer reinforcements has grown in importance over time.
| Premier League 24/25 | Appearances | Duels (win %) | Passes (Accuracy) | Recoveries |
| Taylor Harwood-Bellis | 23 | 76 (54.3%) | 1370 (88.6%) | 87 |
While on paper the Irons have a squad capable of far more than has been showcased this season, there are still some glaring holes in the squad that need to be addressed.
One of these is indeed at centre-back and it would be a smart move if they are to pursue a deal for Harwood-Bellis, despite the horrid campaign that Southampton are enduring.
The ex-Man City man has been one of the only consistent performers in the Saints squad and his addition would certainly be a good one if a deal materialises.