Southampton land fresh Taylor Harwood-Bellis boost after West Ham transfer pivot | OneFootball

West Ham is set to complete the loan signing of Axel Disasi, much to the relief of Southampton

West Ham are set to shift their interest away from Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis and complete the loan signing of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to Sky Sports.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side has needed defensive reinforcement throughout the January window, with the struggling Hammers residing in the relegation zone, having conceded the most goals in the top flight so far this season.

The need for centre-backs increased on Saturday, too, as Jean-Clair Todibo was dismissed for an act of violent conduct in their 3-2 collapse against Chelsea, and thus will serve time on the sidelines.

Reports late last week linked Southampton's Harwood-Bellis to a Premier League return at the London Stadium, but also detailed that out-of-favour Disasi was also on their radar.

And, after an initial approach for the one-time England international was knocked back, it seems that West Ham have pivoted away to their second option ahead of the transfer window closing at 7pm today.

West Ham close in on loan deal for Axel Disasi — Southampton will be relieved

According to Sky Sport's Transfer Centre, on deadline day, West Ham are expected to make a move for Chelsea defender Disasi, who has been heavily unfavoured at Stamford Bridge for the past year.

The Frenchman, who joined the Blues for £38 million in 2023, hasn't played a senior game for Chelsea since January 20th, 2025. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and this season has been part of the so-called 'bomb squad' group at his current club.

However, the 27-year-old is set for a move to the London Stadium, which will come as good news for Southampton, as that could effectively end West Ham's pursuit of Harwood-Bellis, who was subject to a loan approach on January 30.

Southampton knocked back that approach, but the 24-year-old was reportedly open to a move back to the Premier League, and the Saints may have struggled to keep him if terms were improved.

Harwood-Bellis arrived at St Mary's on loan initially for the 2023/24 campaign from Manchester City, and a £20 million move was sanctioned upon their promotion from the Championship, per a clause in the deal.

The 24-year-old couldn't stop Southampton from being relegated back to the second tier last season, and has so far been a key component in the Saints' squads under Will Still and Tonda Eckert this term.

Evidently, Harwood-Bellis is an important asset at St Mary's, and Southampton look poised to keep him for the time being, especially if West Ham completes a move for Disasi.

Southampton may still struggle to keep Taylor Harwood-Bellis at St Mary's as a Championship club

While West Ham may be focusing on other targets ahead of the transfer window closing, that doesn't mean that no other Premier League clubs have been eying Harwood-Bellis.

Everton and Burnley have both had interest in the one-time England international attributed to them, and with it being reported that the 24-year-old has been open to a move back to the top-flight, it may not be long until he's back in the Premier League.

Southampton are currently the definition of a mid-table team in the Championship, having won 10, drawn 10 and lost 10 of their 30 league games so far this season.

That being said, they're only seven points removed from a place in the top six, and finishing there may be the only way they'll be able to retain Harwood-Bellis' services at some point this year.

Southampton may be keeping the 24-year-old for now, but there's no doubting that he has the quality to be a regular feature in a Premier League team. If Tonda Eckert's side peter out in mid-table this season, the former Manchester City youngster may be more deliberate in exploring a move away.

As it stands, Harwood-Bellis looks set to remain at St Mary's for the rest of the campaign, and Southampton must have a great end to this season to avoid these links resurfacing come the summer.