West Ham transfer strategy to spark optimism as Taylor Harwood-Bellis deal lined up

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Hammers will be among the busiest English clubs this summer, with several players expected to leave and even more expected to arrive.

However, given the quality in next season's Championship, it will be vital that they get their business right.

Harwood-Bellis is the latest to be linked with a move to the London Stadium, just weeks after his Southampton side were removed from the play-offs for the Spygate drama.

And while his name in itself may not scream ambition, it showcases that West Ham's transfer plans are looking in the right direction.

Why Taylor Harwood-Bellis makes perfect sense for West Ham

The Irons need to get promoted from the Championship either this season or next, and their ability to do so will hinge on their recruitment.

They could do what Luton Town did, which was to sign a squad full to the brim of elite Championship footballers, only to suffer from a lack of quality in the Premier League.

Or, they can find the balance, which is exactly what a move for Harwood-Bellis would represent.

The Saints star is one of the best defenders in the second tier, but has already showcased that he can make the step-up to the top flight if needed, which, in turn, earned him his first cap for England earlier back in 2024.

That is the type of business West Ham need to be looking at if they are to make it back to where they belong.

How much is Harwood-Bellis likely to cost?

The 24-year-old has two years left on his deal at Southampton, meaning that the Saints are under no immediate pressure to sell.

His transfer value, as per Transfermarkt, is around £17million, which is likely to be close to the fee that would be required to bring him to the London Stadium.

West Ham need to sanction exits first before they can splash the cash on rebuilding their squad, but when that happens, he would be a smart addition.