Football League World
·28 September 2022
Football League World
·28 September 2022
Burnley loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis has hinted that his future may lie away from Manchester City.
The defender joined the Clarets during the summer transfer window from the Premier League champions on a temporary basis.
Speaking in an interview with The Times, the centre back discussed his long-term plans and objectives having made a bright start to life at Turf Moor.
The 20-year old has played in all 10 of the team’s league fixtures so far in this campaign, becoming a key figure in the heart of Vincent Kompany’s defence.
The youngster has claimed that he would have to consider his future should he find himself unable to break into Pep Guardiola’s side upon his return to the club at the end of this season.
“I just focus on doing my job at Burnley,” said Harwood-Bellis.
“I can only do so much from my part, I will keep putting in performances and doing my best. Whatever happens, happens.
“If I break into [the first-team at] City, then I have achieved my goals but if not I go down another route.
“Obviously it is difficult seeing them sign another centre half but if you see the quality of the centre half they have signed it is a difficult one.
“He is unreal along with the other ones.
“Everyone knows it is difficult but, to be fair, I just focus on what I have to do with Burnley and hopefully get Burnley promoted.
“I have never doubted myself that if I get a chance I would take it, but for me personally the best thing was to go on loan especially with the manager being Vincent Kompany as well.
“We are playing a similar way to City and I feel I have made a good decision, we will see where it goes next season.”
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The defender has performed well for Burnley, and even bagged his first goal for the club in their recent local derby clash against Preston North End.
He will be hoping to carry his form into the busy October schedule coming up.
Kompany’s side go into the new month 4th in the Championship table, with a clash against Cardiff City coming up this weekend.
The Verdict
Harwood-Bellis has shown a lot of potential to become quite a talent.
However, breaking into the City side will be extremely difficult given how few academy players make it at the Etihad and given the team’s defensive options.
The signing of Manuel Akanji late in the window likely lowered his chances of breaking into Guardiola’s plans.
But if Burnley do gain promotion, then remaining at Turf Moor would be a good next step for him to make as he will likely want to be playing Premier League football in the near future.