Southampton have got a big help in their ambitions of retaining Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ services this summer, as Portuguese club Benfica has decided to acquire another defender, perhaps ending their interest in the England international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Benfica and Italian side Parma have agreed on a deal of around €20 million (£17.1 million) for Australian international Circati, which appears to terminate their interest in Harwood-Bellis.

The two-time former European champions previously made a similar bid for the Southampton defender, which was quickly rejected; as a result, the Saints’ prospects of keeping their star defender have significantly increased.

Benfica’s acquisition of Alessandro Circati presumably ends their interest in Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Harwood-Bellis, 24, has been a key figure in Southampton’s defence for the past three years, initially joining on loan from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, before the Saints were forced to pay the Citizens around £20 million to sign the Englishman permanently following promotion to the Premier League.

The once-capped England international came up through the ranks at Manchester City, making only eight first-team appearances and spending time on loan with Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City, Burnley, and Southampton before making the permanent move to the South Coast in 2024.

Despite Southampton’s problems in recent years, the ball-playing defender has consistently impressed, gaining a call-up to the England squad under Lee Carsley in November 2024, while former Hull City, Watford, Everton, and Fulham manager Marco Silva attempted to bring him to the Portuguese city.

Correio da Manhã reported on Monday that Harwood-Bellis has informed the club of his intention to leave St Mary’s this summer, despite a €35 million (£30 million) asking price. Southampton has previously stated that they expect the Englishman to stay beyond the September deadline.

Circati’s move to Lisbon for a fee comparable to what Southampton rejected for Harwood-Bellis would signal that their interest in the Englishman has been put on hold, providing a significant boost to the Saints.

Why Southampton value Taylor Harwood-Bellis so highly

Despite just being 24, Harwood-Bellis has already made over 150 Championship matches, gained experience in the English and Belgian top-flights, and earned a cap in a highly competitive England backline.

His defensive ability, of course, makes him an excellent second-tier option, but his ability to bring the ball out of the back and execute line-splitting passes sets him apart from the rest of the division.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ Championship and Premier League statistics

Appearances

189

Goals

11

Assists

8

Yellow cards.

32

Southampton are not in a hurry to part ways with their star defender, who is under contract until the summer of 2028, until a significant deal is agreed upon, as Tonda Eckert’s side would struggle to find someone with Harwood-Bellis’ profile.

Tonda Eckert will be confident in keeping Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Southampton this summer and will be looking for more signings.

Southampton haven’t had a particularly active summer, with Cyle Larin, Daniel Peretz, and George Long all making their loan moves permanent, with Lewis Dobbin and Divin Mubama following suit.

Shea Charles’ departure to Fulham would have created a significant vacuum in midfield, which Eckert will be eager to fill before the deadline, and money should not be an issue for the Saints.

Keeping Harwood-Bellis may be one of their greatest moves this summer, as the Englishman is increasingly set to stay put, and the German head coach will be eager to further strengthen his team ahead of another year of striving for promotion from the Championship.