The centre-back is the second of star from Man City’s academy that the former Premier League side have recruited this summer, with Under-21s captain Shea Charles joining for £15m too.
Southampton have also brought in Head of Academy Jason Wilcox to be their Director of Football and youngster Josh McNamara for their Under-21 team.
The Saints had the same policy this time last year, with them spending around £40m on Man City academy stars.
Romeo Lavia – who moved on to Chelsea this summer – Gavin Bazunu, Sam Edozie and Juan Larios all joined the Saints.
Now, Southampton have decided to acknowledge they’re evidently strong transfer relationship with the reigning Premier League champions.
Teasing the announcement of Harwood-Bellis, Southampton posted a picture of a loyalty card, with five circles marked out with a Man City stamp mark, leaving one final circle with ‘bonus signing’ written on it, before confirming the defender’s arrival.
The England Under-21s star, who won the Under-21s European Championships this summer, played on loan at Burnley last term under former Man City captain Vincent Kompany.
He helped the Clarets achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, making 32 league appearances as they went up as champions.
Meanwhile, Man City also announced the departure of striker Cole Palmer, with the academy graduate leaving for Chelsea for £45m.
They finished bottom of the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign and be hoping to make an immediate return to the top-flight for next season.
There have been a number of changes behind the scenes this summer, including a managerial switch at St. Mary’s, with Ruben Selles departing and Southampton filling the vacated position with Martin.
In terms of departures, Martin’s side have had to deal with high-profile names moving on, with key players leaving in the likes of Mohamed Salisu, Tino Livramento, Romeo Lavia, Nathan Tella, Armel Bella-Kotchap, and club captain James Ward-Prowse all depart the club this summer.
However, they have retained some other key players: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Che Adams, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Carlos Alcaraz all still remain with the club.
To offset some of those losses, Martin has reunited with Ryan Manning, who arrived on a free transfer from Swansea. Shea Charles also joined the club from Manchester City in a big-money move, whilst Taylor Harwood-Bellis also came on loan from the same club.
Flynn Downes, Ryan Fraser, and Mason Holgate have also moved on loan from the Premier League, whilst striker Ross Stewart is perhaps the most eye-catching arrival and has joined from Sunderland.
The aim is promotion and they have started the season in decent shape, sitting seventh with three wins and a draw in five league games.
The squad has a somewhat youthful feel to it, and here, we take a look at some of the players who could save them millions over the next few years if they can fulfill their potential at St. Mary’s.
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