SHOCKING! West Ham’s INSANE £100M+ BID for Southampton Star Taylor Harwood-Bellis EXPOSED – You Won’t BELIEVE the Jaw-Dropping Amount They Were Ready to Shell Out!
Southampton rebuff West Ham’s £20m move for centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Taylor Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton in 2023, initially on loan, before completing a permanent switch after helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
However, last season proved hugely disappointing for everyone associated with the Saints, who suffered relegation without much fight.
That inevitably cast some doubt over the defender’s future heading into the current campaign.
Reports have since confirmed that Southampton faced a battle to retain Harwood-Bellis, as West Ham attempted to lure him away late in the summer window.
Journalist Alan Nixon revealed that the Hammers tabled a proposal worth up to £20 million. Their offer involved an upfront loan fee of £2.5m, with an option to make the transfer permanent for a further £17.5m.
The south coast club, though, were unmoved and swiftly rejected the approach. With Harwood-Bellis tied down at St. Mary’s until 2028, Southampton clearly see him as an integral figure in their plans.
For Saints, the structure of West Ham’s bid made little sense, as there was no obligation to buy, leaving only a modest guaranteed return.
A deal involving a mandatory purchase might have been considered, but given that Southampton had already sanctioned the sales of Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window, there was no pressing financial need to accept such terms, especially so close to deadline day.
From Harwood-Bellis’ perspective, the opportunity to return to the Premier League would have been tempting, yet he would have understood the club’s stance.
Now that the window has closed, the 23-year-old can fully focus on the task at hand: leading Southampton’s charge for promotion under new boss Will Still.
The former Manchester City man has already shown his ability at Championship level, combining defensive solidity with on-field leadership.
His influence is expected to be vital for Still, who is still embedding his tactical philosophy after a stuttering start to life at St. Mary’s.
With his calm presence and organisational skills, Harwood-Bellis looks set to become a cornerstone of the side’s promotion push.
Southampton’s next test is a significant one, as they prepare to host fierce rivals Portsmouth in a league fixture for the first time since 2012.
With tensions running high and plenty riding on the outcome, Harwood-Bellis’ role at the heart of the defence will be more crucial than ever as the Saints look to reignite their season.
