Taylor Harwood-Bellis has left Manchester City to join Blackburn Rovers on a loan until the end of the season. A chance to develop. A chance for game time. A chance for experience.
Blackburn sit in eighth place in the Championship, with the fifth-best goal difference in the division so far. The Rovers will be confident that they can battle for a play-off place this season, only being three points behind sixth-place AFC Bournemouth.
The signing of a young Citizen on loan will give the Riversiders a boost, hopefully landing them in good stead for a move back up to the Premier League - the first time since the 2011/12 season.
Only a youngster
The 19-year-old centre-back has followed in the footsteps of City teammate, Phil Foden, advancing through the Stockport Metro Junior League from the age of six.
Harwood-Bellis has proven himself at Youth level, with an FA Youth Cup to his name (the club's third), forming a strong bond with fellow City defender, Eric Garcia in the process.
In addition to this, Harwood-Bellis has also made his name on the international stage with England Under-16s, 17s, 19s, and 20s.
Not only has he been a vital part of the Three Lions' defence, the Englishman has recorded four goals in the 28 appearances for his country, showing goal threat as well as the reliant defensive capabilities and ball-playing talent Pep Guardiola will be looking for.
First-team action
The youngster debuted for the City first-team back in September 2019 and has only shown positive signs from there.
Harwood-Bellis made four appearances in total last season and made himself stand out with one game coming in the UEFA Champions League, and even added a goal to his name in the FA Cup.
The centre-half has continued to impress further this season with another four appearances so far, both of which have come in cup competitions.
Harwood-Bellis will now spend the rest of the 2020/21 season on loan at Ewood Park as Blackburn look for a promotion push in the second half of the season.
A future Citizen?
After signing a new four-year contract back in December, City will more than likely look to implement Harwood-Bellis into a future City side.
Guardiola will be hoping the youngster can get some game time under his belt at the Championship club, giving him more confidence to perform on the big stage for City.
Many City fans will be egging him on to have a successful loan spell and return to Manchester with more experience, and the capability to play in the sky blue shirt.
Good luck to Taylor Harwood-Bellis!