Aston Villa have just signed two players who could dazzle this season - ex-Villa scout
Aston Villa have signed a great prospect and a fine player in Taylor Harwood-Bellis but one element of his transfer hangs in the balance.
That is the opinion of former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 24-year-old official arrived at Villa Park on transfer deadline day after a deal worth £30million was agreed with Southampton for his signature.
Harwood-Bellis will replace Ezri Konsa in the Villa line-up, after the England international completed a £55m move to Arsenal.
The Villans also pursued Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez but pulled out of the signing when medical concerns emerged - Crystal Palace went forward with the deal but would ultimately come to the same conclusion.
Harwood-Bellis was the last signing of a summer that has seen 10 new arrivals to Unai Emery's squad, in what has been a significant overhaul.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a 'very good prospect'
There has undoubtedly been an aim at Villa this summer to freshen up the squad with younger players.
The likes of Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez and Lucas Digne, who were all 30 or over, have been replaced with players in their early to mid 20s.
Perhaps the most exciting signing was that of Ibrahim Mbaye, who was chased by several huge teams before joining Villa in a £47m deal.
"He's an England international, remember? He played once for England. He's not old," King told Football Insider when asked about Harwood-Bellis.
"He's got plenty to look forward to. I think he could be a good signing, actually. There's potential there for him to move forward.
He continued: "I think both those players, Harwood-Bellis and Mbaye, wow, they are very good prospects. He's got a very good pedigree, Harwood-Bellis, same as Mbaye.
"So, for bringing in young players, it looks as though they've done well there and only time will tell, won't it, just how they perform."
What Harwood-Bellis said after signing for Aston Villa
Harwood-Bellis, a product of the Manchester City academy, signed for Southampton in 2024 and spent a season in the Premier League.
Despite the Saints' struggles and ultimate relegation, the defender gave a good account of himself at times and was even rewarded with an England cap.
"I'm at a point now in my career where I'm ready to kick on, and also to come to a club with the manager, the stature, and the squad that's been assembled, is going to be perfect for me to come in and add to my game, add to the group and also improve,” Harwood-Bellis told Villa's website after signing.
"I’ve got so much to improve on, while giving what I can. To have a manager who improves players, that's what I'm coming here to do and to win in the process."