The controversial Southampton target who could sign regardless of Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s decision to stay.

Southampton’s defensive situation

Southampton could still move for a highly-rated defensive target even if Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains at St Mary’s beyond the summer transfer window.

Harwood-Bellis was a notable absentee as Southampton secured an impressive 3-1 Championship victory over Stoke City on Saturday. The former Manchester City defender was not only missing from the starting line-up but was also left out of the substitutes’ bench altogether.

Watford v Southampton – Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 | Matt Watson/GettyImages

His omission immediately attracted attention because of ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Aston Villa have been linked with a potential move for the Southampton defender, with the possibility of a transfer before the summer window closes continuing to generate plenty of discussion.

Despite his absence, Southampton managed to produce a strong defensive performance against the Potters. Jack Stephens and Nathan Wood both stepped up and delivered determined displays as they helped the Saints secure three important points and quieten some of the criticism they had previously faced.

Eckert explains Harwood-Bellis decision

Tonda Eckert was inevitably asked about Harwood-Bellis after the victory, with supporters eager to understand why the defender had been omitted from the squad.

There had been understandable concern among Southampton fans that the decision could signal an imminent transfer. That fear was partly influenced by the recent situation involving Shea Charles.

Charles was left out of Southampton’s EFL Cup squad for the match against Colchester United, only to complete a transfer to Fulham shortly afterwards. Consequently, some supporters feared that Harwood-Bellis’ absence against Stoke could represent a similar warning that a move to Aston Villa was close.

However, Eckert moved to clarify the situation after the final whistle.

The Southampton boss stated that leaving Harwood-Bellis out was entirely “my decision”, suggesting that the decision was not necessarily connected to transfer negotiations.

Eckert also admitted that he does not know whether the defender will eventually leave the club. That uncertainty means a departure should not yet be regarded as inevitable.

For now, the situation surrounding the Stockport-born defender remains unresolved, and Southampton will have to prepare for either outcome as the transfer deadline approaches.

Aston Villa consider alternative defenders

There is another factor that could increase the possibility of Harwood-Bellis staying on the south coast.

Recent transfer reports from The Athletic have indicated that Aston Villa have also started exploring other defensive options. Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez has reportedly emerged as an alternative target for Unai Emery’s side.

Villa’s interest in another centre-back could suggest that the Premier League club are not completely committed to making Harwood-Bellis their priority.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Aston Villa remain some distance away from meeting Southampton’s valuation of the defender. If the two clubs continue to remain apart financially, completing a transfer before the deadline could become increasingly difficult.

As a result, the possibility of Harwood-Bellis remaining at Southampton appears to be growing.

Southampton can still strengthen

Even if Harwood-Bellis stays, however, Southampton could still benefit from bringing another centre-back into Eckert’s squad.

Although Stephens and Wood performed impressively against Stoke, Southampton’s defensive depth could arguably be improved.

The recent match against Watford also highlighted concerns surrounding the consistency of one of the club’s experienced defenders. At 32 years of age, Stephens still possesses valuable experience, but occasional mistakes can create problems for Southampton.

Adding another centre-back would therefore make sense regardless of what happens with Harwood-Bellis.

Rather than simply signing a replacement for a departing defender, Southampton could potentially add another player who would compete for a starting position and provide additional quality and depth.

One intriguing name has recently been linked with the Saints.

Roggerio Nyakossi emerges as a target

According to Transfer Feed, Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Oh Leuven defender Roggerio Nyakossi.

The Swiss centre-back is not an entirely new name on Southampton’s radar. The Saints were reportedly linked with the defender during the January transfer window, when Chelsea and Liverpool were also said to be monitoring his situation.

Nyakossi has qualities that could make him particularly attractive to Southampton.

Standing at around 6ft 4in, the Geneva-born defender provides a strong physical presence at the heart of the defence. His imposing frame would give Southampton additional strength when dealing with aerial situations and physical Championship opponents.

However, his game is not based solely on his physical attributes.

Nyakossi is also regarded as a composed defender when in possession, and his passing statistics highlight that side of his game.

During last season’s Jupiler Pro League campaign, the defender reportedly completed around 90 per cent of his passes. Such accuracy suggests that he could potentially fit into a Southampton side looking to build attacks from the back.

Nyakossi could complement Harwood-Bellis

Interestingly, Nyakossi’s profile is similar to that of Harwood-Bellis in several respects.

Both defenders possess impressive physical stature while also showing confidence when playing with the ball at their feet.

That means Southampton’s interest in Nyakossi does not necessarily have to depend on Harwood-Bellis leaving.

If the England international remains at St Mary’s, Nyakossi could potentially become his defensive partner rather than his replacement.

Such a partnership could provide Southampton with a physically imposing and technically capable centre-back pairing.

Nyakossi also demonstrated an ability to contribute at the other end of the pitch last season, scoring four league goals. That attacking contribution would provide another useful dimension for Southampton, particularly from set-piece situations.

A defender with leadership qualities

Nyakossi’s character has also received praise during his development.

Sascha Stauch, who previously managed the defender at Switzerland Under-21 level, has described him as possessing a “natural authority”.

That quality could be valuable for Southampton as they attempt to establish a stronger defensive unit and push towards their objectives in the Championship.

The club may therefore view Nyakossi as more than simply an insurance policy should Harwood-Bellis leave.

Instead, the Swiss defender could represent a long-term addition capable of competing for a starting role and strengthening the overall defensive structure.

West Ham test could provide clues

Attention will now turn towards Southampton’s upcoming EFL Cup fixture against West Ham United in midweek.

The match could provide another opportunity for Eckert to assess his defensive options and potentially offer clues about how he intends to handle the uncertainty surrounding Harwood-Bellis.

Whether the defender remains at St Mary’s or eventually completes a move, Southampton appear to be preparing for multiple possibilities.

If Harwood-Bellis stays, adding Nyakossi could still make sense because it would increase competition, depth and quality at centre-back.

If Harwood-Bellis leaves, Nyakossi could potentially step into a more prominent role.

For Southampton, that flexibility could prove valuable as the transfer deadline approaches and Eckert looks to ensure his squad is prepared for every eventuality.