West Ham United has emerged as a potential transfer destination for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who could leave Southampton this summer.
In some ways, relegation comes as a huge financial loss for clubs. Of course, they will miss out on that well-documented Premier League money. On the other hand, they could also make some money on player sales, which is impossible to avoid in that likelihood.
In an ideal world, Southampton wouldn't need to ponder which players to sell. However, the world they are in is far less than ideal, so it's a reality the Saints must accept. In fact, they won't able to control which players stay and which players go since some transfer demands are too loud to ignore.
Right now, Southampton have a nice core of young English players. This is why it's harder to believe they are close to relegation-confirmed. That said, Southampton will yet again be a shopping destination for top Premier League sides in the summer transfer window.
West Ham eyeing transfer for Southampton gem Taylor Harwood-Bellis
According to a report from Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham United are showing an interest in signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton. Within the report, it is also stated that Southampton want to obtain at least £20 million from the sale of the defender, to recoup their losses.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one of those players who will not be playing in the Championship next season, even if Southampton go down. This is bad news for the Saints, since he is now looking for an exit plan in the summer transfer plan.
Can we blame Harwood-Bellis? Not really. He owes no loyalty to the Saints, especially since he's been given every reason to look for a new opportunity. It would be unrealistic for fans to expect the former Man City player to stick by us in the Championship next season. Unfortunately, this is just one of those "it is what it is" situations.