Southampton will hold onto defender Armel Bella-Kotchap for at least the near future as a potential move has fallen through.
The German international, who was part of their squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been one of many names touted to leave St. Mary’s this summer after their relegation back into the Championship. Having played just five times last season, the 23-year-old has been on the periphery of the squad under previous bosses Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.
Option Falls Through
Interest from his homeland has emerged throughout the summer as he looks for regular game time, and both Hamburg and Borussia Monchengladbach named as potential destinations. The Athletic reported earlier in the month that the former were interested in a deal, but wages may be a concern in order to complete a deal.
Now, in the Hamburger Morgenpost, it has been stated that a potential permanent move for Bella-Kotchap by HSV has fallen apart, not due to wage demands but Southampton’s €10 million (£8.72 million) valuation of the centre-back. Any potential loan move has also been scuppered by the salary costs it would have taken to bring him to North Germany.
Monchengladbach’s interest stems from a report in Sky Germany earlier in the month, which also identified Anderlecht and Watford’s sister club in Udinese as alternative options. Bella-Kotchap’s contract in Hampshire runs until 2027, but could be extended by the Saints for a further year.
Southampton have done business within the Bundesliga this season, with their two incoming, Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs, both coming from the league. With nine centre-backs in the squad for Will Still’s side, game time in the position will prove to be very competitive.
Writers’ View
Southampton’s decision to hold firm on their valuation for Armel Bella-Kotchap has seen a potential deal collapse. It is not the first time this has happened, with a £12.8 million deal with Hoffenheim falling apart last summer. The price the Saints are demanding would see them match the fee they paid to sign him from Bochum back in 2022, but with no regular game time in the following years, some clubs may view this as too high. Whether Will Still’s side can move him on this summer may depend on whether they want to reduce their valuation.
