AdminAston Villa have reached an agreement worth £25million to sign Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the defender set to move to Villa Park on a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a key target for Unai Emery as Villa look to strengthen their defensive options following Ezri Konsa’s £55m move to Arsenal.
Harwood-Bellis has spent most of his senior career in the Championship, where he established himself as one of the division’s outstanding defenders. His performances also earned him a senior England debut in 2024.
The centre-back joined Southampton permanently from Manchester City in 2024 for £20m after impressing during a loan spell.
Harwood-Bellis was particularly influential last season, scoring seven Championship goals while being named in the PFA Team of the Year. His composure in possession and strength in duels have made him an attractive option for Villa.
He averaged 60.9 passes per game last season, more than any other defender in the Championship, while also completing 4.73 accurate long balls per match.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert previously praised the defender, saying: “We know how important Taylor is for us. I think he’s been the best centre-back in the Championship last season.
“It’s completely normal that if you are among the best centre-backs in the country there is interest, and there has been. He’s always dealt with it in a great way, very professional, but he’s a Southampton player.
“In the end my job is to train the players. There are some decisions for the board and owners to take.”
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