Benfica Closing in on Harwood-Bellis from Southampton

Benfica has made progress in their attempts to sign English defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton during the current summer transfer window, as the Portuguese club aims to strengthen their backline.

According to reports from Portugal, Benfica has made inquiries about the player and is aware that Southampton is asking for more than €20 million to part with their defender, while the Portuguese club has yet to make an official offer.

Benfica hopes that Harwood-Bellis will play a role in facilitating the transfer by pushing for a move to the Estádio da Luz, especially since a transfer to the Portuguese league would give him the opportunity to participate in European competitions.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis is 24 years old and has signed a contract with Southampton until June 2028, after permanently transferring from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 following a successful loan period with the English club.

Benfica's moves come as a response to the departure of defender Antonio Silva to Bournemouth, as the Portuguese club seeks a new center-back. Harwood-Bellis appears to be one of the top options currently on the table.