Southampton agree fee with VfL Bochum for Armel Bella-Kotchap

Southampton stay on the right track in what now appears to be like to be a youth motion on the England’s south coast this summer time after Saints have agreed phrases with Bundesliga outfit VfL Bochum for German u21 worldwide center-back Armel Bella-Kotchap.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed the settlement between each golf equipment earlier this afternoon, with Southampton stumping up someplace within the area of ~£8.5million for the gifted younger defender after he accomplished his medical with the St. Mary’s outfit final evening forward of a four-year deal that might prolong to at the least a fifth ought to Saints set off the choice.

? Southampton agree ~€10m price with VfL Bochum for centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap. Germany U21 int’l accomplished medical in a single day & is about to signal 4yr deal + choice of fifth. #SaintsFC acquired 20yo forward of different PL + Bundesliga golf equipment @TheAthleticUK #VfLBochum https://t.co/w171MmoAyv

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 21, 2022

Bella-Kotchap impressed throughout giant components of the 2021-22 Bundesliga marketing campaign for Bochum on the Vonovia Ruhrstadion as Thomas Reis’ Die Unabsteigbaren completed 9 factors forward of the drop zone after making their return to the German prime combat this season, making 22-appearances within the league whereas beginning every of Bochum’s 4 DFB Pokal fixtures throughout their run to the quarterfinals.

His seize would sign the third Southampton signing of the summer time after the membership introduced in Eire worldwide goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from Manchester Metropolis in addition to former Poland U21 worldwide keeper Mateusz Lis on a free switch.

Welcome to #SaintsFC, Armel Bella-Kotchap! ? pic.twitter.com/ZMTfLuN9Yt

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 21, 2022

Saints are additionally after Belgian starlet Romeo Lavia, who they’re additionally hopeful of prizing away from Man Metropolis because the membership appears to be like to focus on head of academy recruitment Joe Smith from the holding champions, with a transparent indication that Southampton are specializing in gifted younger gamers transferring ahead.

After the membership can fall again on the profitable offers of Armando Broja and Tino Livramento final season, there’s little cause for Southampton to push for course correction.

This text was edited by
Ben Browning.