We are still in the early days of the 2022 summer transfer window.
However, Celtic look to be making their intentions and targets pretty clear.
So far, Ange Postecoglou’s side has been linked with a host of left-back and central defensive options, the latest being Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The young defender has been with the Premier League champions since the age of six and is highly regarded by staff within the club.
Harwood-Bellis also holds loan experience, having spent time with teams such as Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht and Stoke City.
His first taste of first-team experience came at Blackburn, under a familiar face to Celtic supporters; former player and manager at Parkhead, Tony Mowbray.
Speaking in April 2021, Mowbray was full of praise for the Manchester City youngster, as he provided a bit of insight into what Harwood-Bellis could offer the Celtic defence should he join this summer.
He said [LancsLive]: “Taylor has a defensive instinct, a warrior attitude, and he’s someone who wants to win headers and tackles.
“He wants to engage; he’s composed on the ball and has a lot of really good attributes.”
Harwood-Bellis also had a spell out on loan at Anderlecht under the guidance of legendary City defender Vincent Kompany.
The youngster spoke fondly of his time there earlier this year, suggesting he learned a lot from the Belgian legend.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “I have learned a lot playing under him and the standards he set. They are impeccable. He comes in every day and does everything he can to make himself and everyone better and he is a winner in the way he behaves and speaks.
“I feel I am on the right track to get on the right track to have the mindset he has. He made everyone around him get that boost with his stature. I noticed that massively when I played for him.”
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a promising Celtic target
Coming through the Manchester City academy, there is no doubt that Harwood-Bellis will possess top-class technical ability on the ball. Celtic value ball security from their defenders and the youngster has that.
However, going off what Mowbray had to say about the England U21 captain, it sounds like he also has the attributes needed as a defender in a tough, physical league like the Scottish Premiership.
These attributes also match the descriptions of players who were part of the Celtic backline last season, such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has come through a similar development path at Tottenham Hostpur.
Clearly, he also has ambitions to become an elite player, looking to follow in the footsteps of a player such as Kompany.
Celtic’s connections to Manchester City could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an edge in the race to sign the defender, as there is no doubt there will be interest from elsewhere.
Of course, we are still in the early days of his links to Celtic.
However, Harwood-Bellis sounds like he’s been on the right path to make a step up to the Bhoys and compete for trophies, as well as in Europe.
In other news, Israeli Report: Celtic hero Liel Abada set for big international boost tomorrow.
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