“Absolutely excellent signing”: Ipswich Town encouraged to surpass Southampton to Manchester City transfer

FLW’s Ipswich fan commentator Henry would love to see Harwood-Bellis join the club for next season, but believes a move will only happen if the club is in the Premier League.

He feels the 22-year-old can take over as the starting right-sided centre-back in Kieran McKenna’s squad.

“Ipswich have been linked with Harwood-Bellis,” Henry informed FLW.

“Obviously, it is contingent on one of two things: Ipswich’s promotion and Southampton’s failure to advance.

“But I think this would be an absolutely amazing signing, really clever, very fitting for what we’re trying to do, young, early twenties.

“Very good academy football, Manchester City player, with a decent amount of experience.

“Previously, there were two Championship loans, both from extremely good teams.

“He can play with both feet, is decent in the air, and appears to have a good personality.

“I suppose if everything works out, I’d love to see Harwood-Bellis at Town.

“He is obviously an improvement above what we currently have.

“He’ll probably play right-sided centre-back, where there’s a lot of rotation, alongside Woolfenden, Edmundson, and Tuanzebe.”

“Because the left-footed player must stay on that left-handed side.

“I believe it would be a fantastic signing.”

“Obviously, £15 million does not fit within the budget we are currently working with.

“But if, and only if, we get to the praised land of the Premier League I could see it, that would be a very good signing, I would be very happy with that.”

Harwood-Bellis’ upcoming transfer decision

Harwood-Bellis has received a lot of accolades for his achievements in the Championship over the past two seasons.

However, he is due to return to the Premier League with Manchester City this summer, where his future will be decided.

Given the Etihad’s defensive talent, a permanent sale could be on the cards this year if Harwood-Bellis wants consistent playing time.

Any decision on his future will most likely be determined by the outcome of the promotion race between Southampton and Ipswich.

Harwood-Bellis would be a fantastic addition for Ipswich

Last summer, Harwood-Bellis returned to the Championship, despite the fact that a promotion to the Premier League appeared to be the best option.

He will undoubtedly want to avoid stepping down again next year, therefore he will be looking for a top-flight move.

So, in order to recruit the outstanding, young defender, Ipswich must first gain promotion in the coming weeks.

But if they can close that deal, McKenna’s team will benefit greatly because he is a perfect fit for their style of play and has the potential to become a very important asset in the long run.