(Credit: Imago)

West Ham line up late Harwood-Bellis deal with Southampton after bid made

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

31 Aug 2025, 2:10 am

West Ham are determined to improve their squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

The Hammers have had an awful start to the new 2025/26 campaign and are yet to win a single game in any competition.

The backline has been one of the key reasons for this, with East London club shipping 11 goals in just three matches.

As a result, Graham Potter is under heavy pressure at West Ham to fix this issue and is now looking at Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Southampton centre-back is a current England international after moving to the Saints last summer.

West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout

Graham Potter needs to fix West Ham's defence (Credit: Imago)

West Ham consider Taylor Harwood-Bellis deal

Harwood-Bellis has previously been linked to West Ham since Southampton’s relegation.

The 23-year-old was part of the Saints team that won promotion to the Premier League before his loan move became permanent.

However, the defender struggled in the top-flight, as Southampton narrowly avoided becoming the worst Premier League side ever.

Harwood-Bellis came through Manchester City's academy
The defender has one England cap and scored on his international debut
Harwood-Bellis currently plays for Southampton

Nevertheless, West Ham are interested in signing Harwood-Bellis.

According to the Sun on Sunday, page 55 on 31 August, the Hammers have been looking at the 23-year-old.

However, the defender is valued at more than £20million, with Porto having an offer turned down just short of this mark.

It remains to be seen if West Ham make an official bid for Harwood-Bellis.

Read more: West Ham owners risk Graham Potter fallout as Lucas Paqueta decision looms

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has one cap for England (Credit: Imago)

Is Taylor Harwood-Bellis good enough for the Premier League?

While the defender may have a lot of potential, there will be no doubt questions on whether the 23-year-old is good enough for the top-flight.

According to Fotmob on 31 August, the centre-back had plenty of solid stats for the 2024/25 campaign, particularly in attacking and his passing ability.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the Premier League last season	Per 90 minutes
Shots	0.64
xG	0.06
Passing accuracy	88.1%
Long ball accuracy	50.8%
Chances created	0.45
Tackles won	0.64
Duels won	50.7%
Interceptions	0.95

Harwood-Bellis needs to do work on his defending

However, his defensive work remains a concern, with Harwood-Bellis struggling in many areas.

Therefore, if Potter does go through with the signing, it would not doubt be a massive risk from the Englishman.

West Ham need better defenders, and it remains to be seen if Harwood-Bellis is the answer.

Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis