Aston Villa finalise Taylor Harwood-Bellis deal as deadline spree intensifies

Aston Villa have reached a £25million agreement to sign Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old is set to sign a five-year contract with the Villans, who have been keen to strengthen their defence.

Ezri Konsa's £55m move to Arsenal has left Unai Emery short at the back, with Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings his only current options in the centre of the defence.

Harwood-Bellis has played the majority of his football in the Championship for Southampton but has impressed massively, making his senior England debut in 2024.

The defender joined the Saints from Manchester City in 2024 for £20m after he spent the season on loan.

Villa are also expected to confirm the £47m signing of Ibrahim Mbaye on transfer deadline day, and could still pull off a further addition.

Why do Aston Villa want Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

Perhaps most impressively, Harwood-Bellis scored seven Championship goals from defence last season.

That is not why Villa have spent so much money to sign him, however, although it will certainly be a plus.

The 24-year-old was arguably the Championship's best defender last season and was named in the PFA team of the year.

Superb on the ball and incredibly strong in the duel, Harwood-Bellis has all of the tools to become a Premier League standout.

Last season saw him average 4.05 recoveries, 7.41 clearances and 5.83 duels won per game in the Championship, and that is even with his defensive stats diminished by how Southampton dominated the ball.

More can be drawn from Harwood-Bellis' passing stats, with his 60.9 passes per game unmatched by any other defender in the league. Less than four per cent matched his 4.73 accurate long balls per game.

The defender did not always look comfortable when he was in the Premier League, but it is hoped that Emery can get the very best out of him.

Harwood-Bellis 'among the best centre-backs in the country'

Southampton resisted Villa's initial attempts to sign Harwood-Bellis, but have reluctantly given in to the move after receiving a strong fee.

Manager Tonda Eckert was asked about the defender in August and said: "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."