Revealed: Why Man City will pocket a £20MILLION windfall on the heels of Southampton’s promotion back to the Premier League – as Russell Martin’s side end year-long top-flight hiatus

Manchester City will pocket a £20million windfall following Southampton‘s promotion back to the Premier League. 

Russell Martin’s side ended their year-long hiatus from the top-flight sealing a 1-0 victory against Leeds United in Sunday’s Championship play-off final. 

While there was elation for Saints, Daniel Farke‘s side dropped to their haunches at full time, having now failed to gain promotion to the Premier League in all six of their previous Championship play-off campaigns. Leeds have also lost in all three of their previous trips to Wembley. 

Adam Armstrong’s first half strike proved decisive, with Leeds unable to find an equaliser – thanks in part to Saints’ resolute defensive display. 

Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens commanded the Saints’ backline with 22-year-old defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis also standing out as one of Southampton’s top performers. 

Adam Armstrong’s decisive first half goal helped Saints beat Leeds 1-0 on Sunday afternoon in the Championship play-off final

Pep Guardiola’s Man City are now expected to receive a £20million windfall off the back of Saints’ heroics

Harwood-Bellis joined the club on loan from Man City on transfer deadline day last summer and has been one of the signings of the season for Saints, returning two goals and four assists across 46 appearances for the club in all competitions. 

Last season, the young defender had also helped Vincent Kompany’s Burnley win the Championship, following a dominant season that saw the Clarets amass over 100 points, losing just three matches. 

Southampton’s promotion back to the top-flight has triggered a clause in his loan contract that will see Harwood-Bellis move permanently to St Mary’s this season. 

As part of the arrangement, Saints will now pay City £20million for his…