Villa previously failed with two bids for the one-time England international, who they want to replace Ezri Konsa. Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty ImagesAug. 30, 2026 12:27 pm EDT Updated Aston Villa are in the process of finalising an agreement to sign Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis for a fee worth up to £30million.The structure of the deal is in place, with bonuses needing to be finalised. There is an expectation that an agreement, worth an initial £25m, will be struck soon.Unai Emery is an admirer of Harwood-Bellis and helped drive a move for the central defender.The Athletic reported two previous failed bids from Villa, with Harwood-Bellis among the leading centre-back options to replace Ezri Konsa, who joined Arsenal for £51million. Villa had offered £18m plus add-ons for the 24-year-old and then made an improved offer, which was still below the Championship club’s asking price.
Other targets included Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge, yet the 22-year-old’s move fell through due to concerns over a fractured metatarsal sustained during the World Cup. Elsewhere, Villa also explored a deal for West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo.However, multiple sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have stated in recent days that Harwood-Bellis remained a priority for Villa. A subsequent agreement is nearing between the two clubs, with Harwood-Bellis expected to become Villa’s ninth addition this summer.Harwood-Bellis came through Manchester City’s academy before joining the Championship side permanently in 2024, after an initial loan spell. He has made 134 appearances for Southampton, scoring 12 and providing seven assists, while also making his England debut under Lee Carsley in 2024.This term, the defender played the entirety of the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Colchester United on August 8 and the 2-1 league defeat by Watford. However, he had been left out of Southampton’s previous three fixtures due to doubts around his future.
