Southampton reject blockbuster offer from European giants hours before Championship opener
Southampton have reportedly rejected a £17million bid from Benfica for one of their key players ahead of the Saints’ Championship opener away at Watford.
Southampton travel to Vicarage Road, where they will face Watford on Sunday (August 16), just a few months on from being kicked out of the play-offs after being found guilty of spying on multiple opponents.
Despite the controversy, head coach Tonda Eckhert is looking to right the wrongs of last season by guiding the side to promotion to the Premier League this time around
The South Coast side have added quality to their ranks, with Everton academy graduate Lewis Dobbin arriving from Aston Villa, having impressed on loan at Preston North End last term, while Cyle Larin has made his loan permanent after an impressive stint at St Mary’s during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.
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Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz has signed from Bayern Munich, while Divin Mubama has completed a loan move from Manchester City, with the centre-forward also spending last season on loan in the Championship with Stoke City.
However, Eckhert will be praying he can keep hold of his captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the 24-year-old England international attracting interest from Europe.
As reported by talkSPORT, Southampton have rejected a £17million offer from Portuguese giants Benfica for their captain, with the Saints valuing the defender at around £30million.
The player is said to be open to the move if an agreement can be reached to suit all parties.
Premier League side Coventry City are also monitoring his situation, with Championship club West Ham United thought to be huge admirers of Harwood-Bellis.
Southampton signed the defender from Manchester City for £20million back in 2024 after he impressed during an initial loan spell in 2023.
In total, Harwood-Bellis made 48 appearances for the Saints last term and is under contract until 2028.
Eckhert addresses Hardwood-Bellis’ future amid Benfica interest
Speaking earlier this week at a press conference, Eckhert addressed the speculation surrounding Harwood-Bellis.
"He is exactly the same and he was exactly the same today in training," he said.
"I think I think every transfer window brings you those moments and I think it's not just Taylor, I think there were a few players that have just performed on a very high level last year and I think it's normal that this just attracts some interest.
"And then I think also over the next weeks, I think it's normal that there will be some names popping up every now and then, but what I can say is I see the boys focused. We've had a good meeting this morning, prepping for the game, I've seen the training session and they look sharp and ready to go."
Topics: EFL Championship, Southampton
Luke Davies