Southampton DoF gives verdict on signing Harwood-Bellis and Stewart

Harwood-Bellis was the first through the door on deadline day, joining on a season-long loan from Manchester City with an obligation to buy should Southampton gain promotion.

Wilcox previously worked with the England under-21 captain during his time as Man City’s academy director.

The 21 year old centre-half was on the bench as Saints were trashed 5-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent ahead of that game, the former Premier League winner gave his opinion on the defender, saying: "There is no doubt that he wants to play in the Premier League.

"He had Premier League interest and he looked at the teams that were giving him opportunities in the Premier League and he thought that Southampton was a better fit.

"He's got to compete, we have got Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens and Mason Holgate. 

"Taylor hasn't come here not knowing that he has to fight. He won't be shoehorned in.

"Taylor is a leader of men, I know him - he's got experience and a very mature head on his shoulders.

🚨 Southampton have completed the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis on a season-long loan.

🏆 England U21 captain helped Burnley to promotion last season.

🗣️ "I want to win, I had a taste of that this summer, but my aspiration is to become a better footballer as well.”#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/MWDVMhLTAj

— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) September 1, 2023

"I've been on a journey with him through the academy and he's a great signing for us. He's again somebody who is dependable and trustworthy. He's also highly reflective of his own performances and trains like he plays."

Harwood-Bellis wasn’t Saints’ only deadline-day addition. The club also finalised the arrival target Stewart from Sunderland.

The two-time Scottish international joins for a reported £8million with a further £2million add-ons, but will still need to work his way back from an Achilles injury. 

"He brings a different dynamic," Wilcox continued when asked about Stewart's St Mary's arrival.

"He's a goal machine. He brings a different profile - he presses, he works, he's a great character and he scores every type of goal.

"Ross has a lot more in him. He's coming back from injury so we have got to be patient with him.

"When he comes back at St Mary's, it's going to be like signing a new player.

"We are going to get Jack Stephens back at around Christmas time too, which will also be like a new signing.

"We've brought some proven leaders in who have been a part of winning teams. That is important."