Man City rake in £20m as forgotten star seals transfer seconds after Wembley clash to soften FA Cup final blow
MANCHESTER CITY’S summer transfer kitty will receive a £20million boost thanks to Southampton’s promotion to the Prem.
Saints had an agreement that they will be obligated to buy centre back Taylor Harwood-Bellis if they went straight back up.
And a £20million fee was agreed between the two clubs when he moved to the South Coast back in September.
With Harwood Bellis coming through the ranks at the Etihad, it means it will be classed as pure profit for City and will help them to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The 22-year-old has previously had loan spells with Blackburn, Burnley and Stoke as well as Belgian club Anderlecht but will now become a Southampton player.
The funds should help Pep Guardiola as he looks to strengthen his squad for their title defence next season.
City have already been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi along with title rivals Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne’s future remains in doubt as he enters the final year of his contract.
Harwood-Bellis first joined City’s academy in 2008 before progressing through the academy.
He was handed his first-team debut aged 17 in 2019 and went on to make eight appearances for the club, scoring once.
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Following his loan move to the Saints last summer, the Stockport-born defender made 46 appearances for Russell Martin’s side.
Those matches include Sunday’s play-off final victory over Leeds at Wembley Stadium.
Adam Armstrong’s first half strike sealed an immediate return to the top flight.
Southampton were relegated from the Premier League in last place a year ago following an 11-season stay.