Man City loan defender Harwood-Bellis to Blackburn Rovers

Manchester City have loaned highly-rated defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Championship side Blackburn Rovers. 

The 19-year-old made his debut for City against Preston North End in the EFL Cup in September 2019 and has gone on to make a further eight appearances across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side. 

Harwood-Bellis will spend the rest of the 2020-21 campaign with Rovers, who are eighth in the Championship. 

His move means it is unlikely fellow central defender Eric Garcia will be allowed to join LaLiga giants Barcelona. 

#Rovers are delighted to confirm the arrival of rising star Taylor Harwood-Bellis on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.#WeAreTogether pic.twitter.com/1z4mvnjUTY

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) February 1, 2021

There had been suggestions Garcia would return to his boyhood club before the close of the mid-season transfer window on Monday, but Guardiola will want to ensure he has adequate cover for the heart of his defence in the second half of the season. 

The 20-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season and it appears he will have to wait until then to rejoin Barca.