West Ham target Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Credit: Imago
Jack Dawson
Sun 31 August 2025 7:40, UK
West Ham are determined to improve their squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Hammers have had an awful start to the new 2025/26 campaign and are yet to win a single game in any competition.
The backline has been one of the key reasons for this, with East London club shipping 11 goals in just three matches.
As a result, Graham Potter is under heavy pressure at West Ham to fix this issue and is now looking at Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Southampton centre-back is a current England international after moving to the Saints last summer.
West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Credit: Imago
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West Ham consider Taylor Harwood-Bellis deal
Harwood-Bellis has previously been linked to West Ham since Southampton’s relegation.
The 23-year-old was part of the Saints team that won promotion to the Premier League before his loan move became permanent.
However, the defender struggled in the top-flight, as Southampton narrowly avoided becoming the worst Premier League side ever.
Harwood-Bellis came through Manchester City’s academy
The defender has one England cap and scored on his international debut
Harwood-Bellis currently plays for Southampton
Nevertheless, West Ham are interested in signing Harwood-Bellis.
According to the Sun on Sunday, page 55 on 31 August, the Hammers have been looking at the 23-year-old.
However, the defender is valued at more than £20million, with Porto having an offer turned down just short of this mark.
It remains to be seen if West Ham make an official bid for Harwood-Bellis.
Taylor Harwood Bellis
credit: Imago
Is Taylor Harwood-Bellis good enough for the Premier League?
While the defender may have a lot of potential, there will be no doubt questions on whether the 23-year-old is good enough for the top-flight.
According to Fotmob on 31 August, the centre-back had plenty of solid stats for the 2024/25 campaign, particularly in attacking and his passing ability.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the Premier League last season Per 90 minutes
Shots 0.64
xG 0.06
Passing accuracy 88.1%
Long ball accuracy 50.8%
Chances created 0.45
Tackles won 0.64
Duels won 50.7%
Interceptions 0.95
Harwood-Bellis needs to do work on his defending
However, his defensive work remains a concern, with Harwood-Bellis struggling in many areas.
Therefore, if Potter does go through with the signing, it would not doubt be a massive risk from the Englishman.
West Ham need better defenders, and it remains to be seen if Harwood-Bellis is the answer.
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