Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis wishes to repeat Kyle Walker-Peters' England selection route via a Championship promotion.
Admit it or not, but all of us Southampton fans would have smiled knowing the recent Kyle Walker-Peters update. After all, though the veteran left, the idea of a Tottenham return would've had supporters happy for him.
Needless to say, Southampton are tipped to miss KWP a lot ahead. But while his game abilities demand a replacement, the club has a name ready to take forward the full-back's utmost dedication to the club.
It's defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose recent actions feel on track to imitating Walker-Peters' class act from a few years ago.
Notably, KWP debuted for England's national side in 2022. However, despite a modest performance, he wasn't called again as Southampton fell to the Championship that season. Now, at that time, the full-back could have left to fancy his national selection, but he didn't do so.
In fact, KWP returned to the English scheme of things after winning the promotion with Southampton in 2024. And that's what Harwood-Bellis feels doing now.
Harwood-Bellis wishes to follow KWP's International route
Despite longing for a national team spot, Harwood-Bellis isn't in the mood to see that happen at Southampton's expense.
Appreciably, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Harwood-Bellis gave his verdict on staying, mentioning: "If I want to play for England, we've got to get promoted. People around me know that, and I think the fans know that as well."
Honestly, this act in itself demands some serious applause for the 23-year-old, who could have departed for many of the current Top Flight sides. And what better than the player's stay relieving a big Southampton headache?
With Juma Bah's transfer race over for the Saints, the club would've lost on all grounds if Harwood-Bellis left. But now that he is set to stay, Southampton have at least one of their centre-back slots fit perfectly.
Overall, amidst the complicacies of the transfer business, this Harwood-Bellis decision has created a big win-win situation for Southampton. Looking to the next season to see the player back his claim with solid performances again.