The argument rages on forums, fan sites and at grounds as the season comes to an end: West Ham get linked with ‘star players’ who have been relegated and opinions vary wildly. The Hammers have long been linked with Southampton’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who now bears the distinction of having been relegated three times: Bournemouth 19/20, Sheffield United 20/21 and Southampton 24/5.
Surely three relegations is more than just bad luck, isn’t it? One who can perhaps be forgiven his side’s poor performance is Taylor Harwood Bellis. In their article ” West Ham United want to sign 23 year old defender- will he be a good signing? ” the4thofficial.net are in no doubts:
“..West Ham have stepped up their pursuit of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, currently a central defender at Southampton. At just 23 years old, he has started 38 games this season. Although his club were relegated, his personal performances were outstanding….He even managed to make his debut for the England senior team last November. The Hammers consider the player a priority to strengthen their defence. The east London club have enquired about his availability and are determined to make a firm offer.”
Most Read on West Ham News
Taylor Harwood Bellis during his Burnley stint
The acquisition of relegated players per se does not seem to be too much of a minefield: before you decide, consider the names of other illustrious players who’ve had to endure the dreaded drop: Paulo Di Canio, Craig Bellamy, Mark Viduka, Jamie Vardy (main pic) , Scott Parker and Roy Keane have, in their day, all suffered the same fate.
And would anybody seriously hesitate to sign any of those just on the basis that they were ‘tainted’ by relegation? Thought not.
Harwood-Bellis at 23 has yet to reach the peak of his career and would make financial sense as well as tactical: Improvements on the pitch would be matched by a rise in his value in three years time allowing West Ham’s financial stats to grow should they decide to sell on. Competition will be fierce of course but Harwood-Bellis is probably not going to attract interest from European-level sides.