Even if Ipswich Town secure automatic promotion to the Premier League in the final Championship stretch, they may still aim for the play-offs to perhaps raid one of their fellow second-tier hopefuls.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a young defender on loan from Manchester City, has had a wonderful season in the heart of defence for the Saints, and they will undoubtedly want to keep the youngster if possible.
However, the south coast team has struggled in recent weeks, and its promotion chances are in jeopardy. If their suspicions come true, it might cost them Harwood-Bellis.
In contrast, the Tractor Boys are in a solid position to secure an automatic promotion to the Premier League, and they may attempt to take advantage of Southampton’s predicament.
Saints risk losing Harwood-Bellis without Premier League football
The 22-year-old has settled in nicely at St Mary’s Stadium, and his consistent performances show that he is quite comfortable at that level, despite his youth.
This season, he has made 38 starts in the Saints defence, demonstrating his importance to the team. The club hopes to retain him.
Harwood-Bellis has shown a strong desire to continue at the club beyond his temporary term, with one condition: the club return to the Premier League.
| Harwood-Bellis’s league loan history, as per Transfermarkt | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team (Season) | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Southampton (23/24) | Championship | 38 | 2 | 3 |
| Burnley (22/23) | Championship | 32 | 1 | 2 |
| Stoke City (21/22) | Championship | 22 | 0 | 1 |
| Anderlecht (21/22) | Jupiler Pro League | 16 | 0 | 2 |
| Blackburn Rovers (20/21) | Championship | 19 | 0 | 0 |
This view is echoed in his loan, as Southampton’s rise to the top division would activate a clause in the deal, allowing Saints to sign the England U21 for £20 million in the upcoming transfer season.
Southampton have grown to rely on Harwood-Bellis, so failing to win promotion might be costly on two fronts.
He should be on the move this summer, regardless.
Harwood-Bellis, who signed a contract with City until 2025 to protect his value, may leave the club this summer to pursue consistent first-team play.
The brief term of the contract appears to indicate that this was the objective all along, although the young defender’s chances of unseating experienced talents like Ruben Dias appear slim at this early stage of his career.
Harwood-Bellis, who has settled into the rhythm of regular playing and become an important member of a senior team, will not want to return to academy football or be a squad player at City, which may be detrimental to his development and all of the work he has done this season.
Despite that, he is clear about his hunger for Premier League football, so if Southampton cannot supply that want, Ipswich could be the answer, providing they also gain promotion.
If the Tractor Boys win promotion and Southampton fail to make the play-offs, Ipswich could take advantage of the situation.
Harwood-Bellis would strengthen the squad ahead of a challenging season.
Having only been promoted from League One last season, a quick move to the Premier League would undoubtedly be the most difficult test Ipswich has faced in a long time.
The team lacks defenders, with just a few acknowledged center-backs and an oversubscription of full-backs. Therefore, they will need to strengthen their backline for a season focused on defence rather than attack.
If Southampton do not get promoted, Ipswich are unlikely to be the only team interested in Harwood-Bellis’ services. However, Ipswich will have the advantage of offering guaranteed first-team minutes in the Premier League, which is clearly important to the young defender.
Even if their automatic promotion is guaranteed, the Tractor Boys will keep a close eye on the play-offs and should take advantage of their position if it allows them to sign Harwood-Bellis.
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