Southampton are preparing for their do or die play-off semi-final second leg against West Brom on Friday night.
The first leg finished 0-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday, meaning the game is finely poised ahead of Southampton having home advantage at St Mary’s.
Southampton survived a bombardment from West Brom for the first ten minutes last time out, before settling into the game and creating a couple of chances of their own.
The Saints defended resolutely – which is an element of their game that has been criticised this season – helping Alex McCarthy to a much-deserved clean sheet.
One player that was crucial to that is Taylor Harwood-Bellis and the on loan defender has been discussing the play-offs in an interview with BBC Radio Solent Sport‘s Adam Blackmore, as well as revealing his ideal scenario to end the season.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has uncertain Southampton future
Harwood-Bellis finds himself in the unusual position of being a loan player but knowing that his future depends entirely on the collective performance of his team.
Southampton negotiated a deal with Manchester City last summer that stipulates that if Southampton are promoted to the Premier League this season then they are obligated to sign Harwood-Bellis permanently in the summer for £20 million.
This deal was logical in order to ensure Southampton could secure the services of the England under-21 captain short-term with the potential to sign a real player of promise permanently without harming their financial future.
The 22-year-old was a key part of Burnley’s Championship winning campaign last season, but Vincent Kompany’s side decided to pursue alternative targets in the summer after being put off by City’s valuation.
Harwood-Bellis has been immense again in England’s second tier this season and his immediate future beyond this season will be in the Premier League regardless of whether that is with Southampton or someone else.
Harwood-Bellis would love to stay at Southampton
Harwood-Bellis was asked about his time at Southampton this season and whether he wants to stay at the club beyond the summer in the interview with Blackmore.
The centre-back responded: “My aim is to get promoted. I knew from the start that if we get promoted I’m going to be here full time and that’s not changed.”
Blackmore then chipped in to ask: “And nine months later, you still want that?”
To which Harwood-Bellis replied: “Yeah. Even more so than I did after working with the manager and being at the club and playing at the stadium, the fans, everything.
“Honestly I’ve not got a bad word to say about it and to get promoted and knowing I have the deal there on the table and all I have to do is report back for pre-season would be perfect.
“If not, I’m back to City and we go again.”
There are definitely worse situations to be in that to either achieve promotion via a Wembley final in the play-offs or return to the Premier League champions.
However, Harwood-Bellis knows he is unlikely to have a future at the Manchester club and is desperate to find a permanent home at Southampton in what is his fifth loan club at just 22.
