Man City to net £20m thanks to Southampton winning Championship play-off final

Manchester City are set for a £20million windfall after Taylor Harwood-Bellis secured promotion to the Premier League with Southampton. The defender’s loan deal included a clause to make the move permanent if the Saints reached the top-flight.

Harwood-Bellis was instrumental in Southampton winning promotion at the first attempt. The 22-year-old made 40 Championship appearances before playing all three play-off matches as his side defeated West Brom in the semi-finals and then Leeds in Sunday’s final.

In a typically cagey Wembley showdown, Adam Armstrong scored the only goal to ensure Southampton will play in the Premier League for the 12th time in 13 seasons next term.

The success of the South Coast side has resolved the long-term future of Harwood Bellis. The 22-year-old has spent the last two-and-a-half years away from City on various loans, including helping Burnley win the Championship last season.

Wide-ranging reports claim that the clause is valued at £20m and was triggered as a result of Southampton beating Leeds. Harwood-Bellis, who graduated City’s academy and made eight first-team appearances under Pep Guardiola, described being ‘buzzing’ at finally landing a permanent home.

He told Sky Sports: “Last year was unbelievable with a special football club. This year was completely different, coming to Wembley and not doing it automatically. I can’t describe that feeling of the final whistle.

“It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I know that I’m permanently here now so I’m buzzing.”

Asked to compare the difference between winning the play-offs and being promoted automatically, Harwood-Bellis continued: “It’s a different feeling because I know I’m here permanently afterwards, so it had a little bit more certainty to it – give it everything and we’re up.

“I can’t describe the feeling knowing I’ve got a contract here and I’m now a Southampton player, so I’m over the moon. It had a massive edge to it knowing I’m staying here permanently. I love the club, it’s a special football club and the fans have been amazing.

“The fans stuck through us throughout the season, through some tough times and some good times. We did it for them as well today. It’s hard to compare this year to last year because last year was so special and another special football club. I can’t put it into words. Two in a row!”

City will benefit from the additional £20m in income. The Premier League champions will want to upgrade their squad to fend off competition from Arsenal and their other top-flight rivals next season.