Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a move for Taylor Harwood-Bellis despite Southampton rejecting an earlier offer for the defender.
Aston Villa are expected to reach an agreement for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis worth around £25 million, per TEAMtalk, after Southampton rejected an earlier bid.
Villa must replace Ezri Konsa, who has completed a move to Arsenal, and are closing in on Harwood-Bellis as a £25 million solution after Southampton rejected their initial offer of £18 million plus add-ons. According to TEAMtalk, negotiations between the two clubs are progressing at an advanced stage, with discussions over personal terms already under way.
Aston Villa have already made several changes to their squad, recently signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as part of their restructuring. The club are expected to compete on several fronts during the season, including the Champions League, making defensive reinforcements a priority.
Aston Villa closing in on Harwood-Bellis?
Harwood-Bellis has recently emerged as a key target for the club. David Ornstein reported that the first bid was worth around £18 million plus add-ons, but Southampton considered it below their valuation of the 24-year-old defender.
Harwood-Bellis would provide Villa with a proven, physical centre-half capable of stepping up to Champions League football, a notable progression from Southampton, yet positioned within squad depth for Unai Emery’s European ambitions.
Harwood-Bellis is not the only option Villa have identified as a possible replacement for Konsa. Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo has also been mentioned as a potential target, while there have been reports linking the club with AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori.
Harwood-Bellis suits Aston Villa
Harwood-Bellis came through the Manchester City academy before enjoying loan spells at Anderlecht, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, Burnley and Southampton. He settled at St. Mary’s and completed a permanent move to the club in 2024.
Since then, he has made 134 appearances in all competitions and has also shown an eye for goal, scoring 12 times for Southampton. His physical presence and composure in defence are qualities Villa will require following Konsa’s departure. The 24-year-old is an England international.
His performances for Southampton have convinced Aston Villa that he is ready to step up to a higher level. Negotiations between the West Midlands outfit and Southampton are at an advanced stage, with a deal expected to be finalised within days.
