Manchester City have introduced “considerable” add-ons to the new Southampton signing’s contract

Manchester City and Southampton have agreed two significant add-ons to Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ contract.

The 22-year-old officially completed a £20million exit from Manchester City on Monday, signing permanently for newly-promoted Southampton after an initial season at St Mary’s during the recent 2023/24 campaign.

Saints beat Leeds United 0-1 in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final in May, with Harwood-Bellis making his 46th appearance for Southampton during the historic victory at Wembley Stadium.

The former Manchester City centre-back made 43 Sky Bet Championship appearances for Southampton and was involved in five goals for Russell Martin’s side during the campaign.

Harwood-Bellis claimed promotion to the Premier League for the second consecutive year, with the defender also promoted to the top flight with Burnley in 2023, one of four loan spells in the Championship.

The 22-year-old previously spent time at Blackburn, RSC Anderlecht and Stoke City, and enjoyed campaigns at Turf Moor and St Mary’s.

The Stockport-born defender had been at Manchester City since the age of six and made eight first-team appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, making his debut against Preston North End in the League Cup in 2019.

The England Under-21 international could still play for Manchester City in the future, with Etihad bosses reportedly inserting two major clauses into the defender’s Southampton contract, including a buy-back option.

The add-ons were structured similarly to the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho from Leicester City and come despite Manchester City making £20m from the player’s sale.

A statement from Southampton confirming the transfer read: “Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm that Taylor Harwood-Bellis has today completed his permanent move to St Mary’s on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old centre-back joined on loan from Manchester City last summer, playing a key role as the Men’s First Team won promotion back to the Premier League.

“This triggered a clause in the deal that allowed his move to become permanent, with Harwood-Bellis’ new deal starting today.”