Despite Southampton looking almost certain for relegation back to the Championship, two of their players are eyeing a longer stay in the Premier League.
Saints look to cash in on big names
It is reported by Alan Nixon that Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale could be in line to stay in the Premier League and escape the drop by moving away from the Saints. It has been a torrid season for Southampton, with them amassing just nine points from their 26 games this season. Despite their terrible form and poor performances, Ramsdale and Harwood-Bellis are seen as high value assets and are in demand with Premier League clubs.
Harwood-Bellis keen to keep rising
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been a key standout for Southampton over the last two years. The cultured, ball playing centre back has repeatedly caught the eye and there are sure to be many who would be interested if he was to become available. Having signed from Manchester City on loan originally, when Southampton were in the Championship, he was an integral part of their promotion through the play offs.
Having won promotion, Southampton exercised their option to buy and spent £20 million on the central defender. Despite their defensive frailties, Harwood-Bellis stock has continued to rise. He has made 63 appearances for the Saints and his performances were rewarded by interim England manager Lee Carsley, who handed him a full international debut in November 2024, where he scored on his debut against the Republic of Ireland.
It looks like West Ham United seem to be heading the charge for Harwood-Bellis’ signature. His range of passing and comfort on the ball will be of interest to new Hammers boss Graham Potter and will help to sort out the problems West Ham have had in central defence this season, often rotating and not settling on a comfortable back four. It is believed Potter will want new faces in the summer, and it is rumoured that around £15 million would be needed to sign the 23-year-old.
Old habits die hard for Ramsdale?
Ramsdale is no stranger to relegation having been previously relegated with AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United. Despite those disappointments, his performances were outstanding and earned him a big money move to Arsenal. He was named Player of the Year at both clubs, and it seems one of his former clubs is interested in resigning him. Having been ousted at Arsenal by David Raya, Southampton signed Ramsdale for a reported £25 million last summer.
With the Saints seemingly doomed, it is rumoured that Bournemouth are interested in resigning him. Ramsdale played 37 times for the Cherries in the 2019-20 season, having signed for them for £800,000 three years earlier. It will take a much larger figure this time to recapture him, with him recording 40 clean sheets in 171 Premier League games. However, with current keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea and doubts over whether they will be able to sign him permanently, Ramsdale could be an option as their future number one.
With Southampton’s recent financial worries still fresh in many fans’ minds, it would be opportune to cash in on two of their prized assets with relegation almost a certainty.