Southampton are expected to sell Armel Bella-Kotchap this summer for roughly €20 million, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Following their relegation to the Championship last summer, a number of Southampton players left the club.
Bella-Kotchap, a centre-back, joined Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven on loan. The 22-year-old showed promise in the Premier League, but his stint in the Netherlands was cut short by injury.
Many of those who will return from loans this summer face uncertain prospects, and new claims have arisen about Bella-Kotchap’s fate.
Reporter Fabrizio Romano wrote on X that Southampton are ‘likely’ to trade the German defender when he returns to St. Mary’s.
Clubs from Germany, Italy, and England are interested, with a price tag of approximately €20 million (£17 million) set.
🚨🇩🇪 Armel Bella-Kotchap, likely to leave Southampton at the end of the season with several clubs interested in him from Germany, Italy and England.
Understand price tag will be around €20m. pic.twitter.com/t4ipnbQRiL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2024
A summer exit awaits?
With Bella-Kotchap attracting interest abroad, Southampton may seize the opportunity to raise finances by selling a player who does not appear to fit into Russell Martin’s plans.
There is little doubt that he is a potential defender, but his stock has not increased as much as expected this season. The Paris-born prodigy has only made six appearances for PSV’s first team, with a lengthy injury layoff leaving him out of favour upon his comeback as the Eindhoven club cruises to the Eredivisie title.
As a result, cashing in now could be a good idea. There appears to be interest, and the Saints can get a fair fee for his services.
While Southampton prepares for the play-offs, those behind the scenes will be focused on the summer transfer plans, which may involve unloading Bella-Kotchap.
