Southampton told Brentford transfer can solve 'tricky' Harwood-Bellis situation | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on who should be signed to replace Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Southampton’s transfer window is far from over amid speculation surrounding Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ future.

It’s been claimed that the Saints have set an asking price of £30 million for the defender amid interest from Portuguese giants Benfica.

It remains to be seen whether the centre-back will remain at St. Mary’s beyond the 1 September deadline that is now quickly approaching.

Harwood-Bellis has been a key figure in the side under Tonda Eckert, and his departure would be a blow to the club’s promotion chances.

The 24-year-old featured for all 90 minutes of Southampton’s opening day defeat to Watford on Sunday, with the Hampshire outfit losing 2-1.

He also played 43 times in the league last season, as the team earned a fourth-place finish in the table.

Southampton told to secure Brentford signing as Taylor Harwood-Bellis replacement

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When asked who the club should pursue as a possible replacement for Harwood-Bellis, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Louis Harris named Brentford’s Benjamin Fredrick

He believes that the centre-back would be a like-for-like signing, as he has a lot of similar qualities and attributes as the Saints star.

“Where do you begin? It’s really tricky to replace Harwood-Bellis,” Harris told Football League World.

“He’s been instrumental in Saints’ upturn in form since January.

“But, personally, looking at someone who isn’t an obvious name, but I’d like for us to have a look at would be Benjamin Fredrick at Brentford.

“He’s 21, so great potential, and already a full Nigerian international as well.

“For me, he’s got a similar profile to Harwood-Bellis.

“He can play on the right-side of that centre-back pairing, he can play the ball out from the back, comfortable playing the ball short, as well as having the ability to play balls through a midfield.

“On top of that, he’s got some great anticipation, he can read the game really well, as well as being great aerially.”

Harris has also claimed that the Championship side will need to target someone trying to break into a first team in order to financially afford a move.

“I think it would be difficult for us to financially to bring in someone on Harwood-Bellis’ level,” he continued.

“I think we need to be looking at players who are now looking to break through into a first team, similar to how Harwood-Bellis was with Saints.”

Harwood-Bellis first joined Southampton from Burnley in the 2023 summer transfer window on an initial loan basis before signing permanently in 2024.

The defender has made a total of 116 league appearances for the Saints, including 34 in the Premier League.

He helped the club earn promotion to the top flight under Russell Martin, as they beat Leeds United in the 2024 play-off final.

The centre-back has a contract with the Championship side until June 2028, and it remains to be seen whether Benfica will be willing to meet their asking price before the market closes.

Benjamin Fredrick’s Brentford career

Fredrick has come through the ranks at Brentford, but has been unable to break into the first team squad under Keith Andrews.

The defender spent last season on loan with Belgian side Dander, where he made 14 appearances in the Pro League, with the team coming 16th in the table.

The 21-year-old has also been capped by the Nigeria national team, making six appearances for his country.

But it remains to be seen whether the Premier League side would be willing to part ways with the youngster at this stage.

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Southampton need to be ready if Taylor Harwood-Bellis is sold

We are into the final couple of weeks of the transfer window, so any major player sales at this stage would leave Southampton with little time to find a replacement.

It’s clear that Benfica are keen on a deal, but it remains to be seen whether they are willing to meet the £30 million asking price.

Anel Ahmedhodzic has also emerged as a possible replacement, and the 27-year-old certainly has more experience at this level.

But perhaps it would be worth taking a gamble on someone a bit more unproven, as Fredrick has the potential to grow into an even better player than Ahmedhodzic if he can transition to Southampton smoothly.