Tonda Eckert, the head coach of Southampton, has made it obvious what he thinks about the rumours of a transfer between the team’s captain and most valuable asset, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Liga Portugal powerhouse SL Benfica.

The team currently led by former Fulham manager Marco Silva has reportedly expressed interest in the 24-year-old centre defender in recent days.

In the meantime, Saints are stepping up their preparations for a second consecutive Championship season, which will start under the German despite ongoing Spygate investigations.

Shea Charles, a Northern Ireland international, transferred to the aforementioned Cottagers in a rumoured £30 million deal, costing Southampton another important player.

Another highly regarded player that was signed from Manchester City in 2023 is Harwood-Bellis, who has since established himself as a vital member of the team.

But with less than 72 hours until Saints’ season-opening match at Vicarage Road against Watford, Eckert has addressed the most recent round of transfer rumours concerning the Stockport native.

As talk about Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Benfica’s transfer heats up, Tonda Eckert reacts.

The fact that Harwood-Bellis was called up to the England squad for the first time in November 2024 and scored his first goal against the Republic of Ireland is evidence that his career on the South Coast has been steadily improving.

Despite Southampton’s terrible start to the previous season under Eckert’s predecessor, defender Will Still was once again able to demonstrate why he is regarded as a top-tier Championship operator, scoring seven goals and dishing out two assists.

Statistics from Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ 25/26 Championship (Source: Sofascore)

Appearances

43.

Objectives

7

Helps 2

Sheets that are clean

Twelve

Accuracy Passing

86%

Recuperations for Each Game

4.0

Each game’s dribbled past

0.2

Errors That Lead to the Objective

0

It was revealed that Saints would demand a substantial sum for his signature if an exit materialised this summer after he was the focus of additional Premier League interest in January.

Since then, Benfica has emerged as the most recent team strongly associated with the Southampton captain; yet, there have been wildly conflicting rumours regarding the transfer drama in both Portugal and England.

At first, it was said that Benfica would be prepared to pay €20 million (£17 million) for Harwood-Bellis. However, other reports suggested that Saints supporters shouldn’t be too concerned about the rumours.

“Every transfer window brings you these moments, it’s not just Taylor,” Eckert responded. Expecting curiosity is typical. The boys appear prepared and focused.

Southampton would rather make money off of Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Two summers ago, Saints paid £20 million to sign the Three Lions international on a permanent basis. Since his performance has only improved in the Premier League, Championship, and the club’s historic run to the FA Cup semi-final, it would only make sense for an exit to be approved if Saints made money off of his services.

With two years remaining on his present contract, Harwood-Bellis gives the second-tier team significant negotiating leverage in the transfer market.

However, ‘O Glorioso’ would still be £3 million short in order for Saints to break even when converting Benfica’s possible offer into pounds from euros, and there doesn’t seem to be any indication as of now that a negotiation would include add-ons to raise the price.

Before Southampton’s season start, Tonda Eckert will try to ignore transfer rumours.

Given how their Spygate acts have been viewed outside of St. Mary’s, Saints will be aware that this season will be difficult for them. However, Eckert will try to ignore that criticism as well as any transfer rumours going into the weekend.

When they overcame Colchester United 2-0 last weekend, with Harwood-Bellis partnering Jack Stephens at the centre of defence, the 33-year-old made it quite obvious that this may be his first-choice formation.

Because Harwood-Bellis is still an essential part of the team, it would be devastating for Saints if the goalposts regarding his future changed during the next two and a half weeks.