According to a report by the Daily Star, Leeds United are weighing up a move for promising Man City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis as a transfer alternative to Ben White – with manager Pep Guardiola once calling the youngster ‘exceptional’ along with Eric Garcia.
Marcelo Bielsa guided the Whites to a Premier League return last season, their first climb to the top flight in 16 years, and it now looks like they have their eye on Harwood-Bellis if they fail to secure a deal for Brighton star White.
Should City sell Harwood-Bellis?
Yes, ship him out
No, lots of potential
The 6ft 2 prodigy, given opportunities this season by Guardiola, has featured sporadically across the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League campaigns – even managing to score his first City goal against Port Vale back in January.
Harwood-Bellis and Garcia – once dubbed the future…
Harwood-Bellis also partnered Barcelona-bound Garcia during a 3-0 victory at Preston North End in the fourth round of the League Cup, keeping a clean sheet and earning high praise from our boss. (Goal)
Describing the duo as ‘exceptional‘ after the match, Guardiola went on to describe how they suit each other perfectly in central defence – but the pair might not be at the Etihad for long according to recent reports.
Barca are reportedly hot on the tail of Garcia (ESPN), who has refused to pen a contract extension, and could leave for as little as €15 million (£13.5 million) this summer.
Now, the Daily Star claim Harwood-Bellis may follow suit if Leeds United ramp up their interest.
His reputation…
Back in the summer of 2019, on the club’s pre-season tour, Harwood-Bellis was said to have ‘blown away’ members of the Man City squad with his performances – with Guardiola singling out the teenager for praise in the dressing room according to the Metro.
Scunthorpe United striker Kevin van Veen, on a slightly less positive note, accused the 18-year-old of cashing him up during our clash against the lower league side (The Times).
Since that accusation, Harwood-Bellis has strongly refuted claims that he gloated about earning more money than the well-travelled veteran.
Final verdict…
Losing Harwood-Bellis to Leeds would be disappointing to say the least, especially since he has shown glimpses of promise, but whether or not he departs or becomes a City hero remains to be seen.