Bella-Kotchap turns the English page | OneFootball

Bella-Kotchap turns the English page

The Southampton chapter is now closed for Armel Bella-Kotchap. After spending last season on loan at Hellas Verona, the German defender of Cameroonian descent has now signed a permanent deal with the Italian club. The transfer fee: five million euros.

Arriving in Serie A with the reputation of a player looking to reignite his career, the former Bochum prodigy needed to prove he could recapture his best form after mixed spells at PSV and in the Premier League. It was far from a guaranteed success. Hampered by injury since mid-January, the 24-year-old still managed to feature in 14 league matches—enough to convince Verona's management to invest in him for the long term. He is now under contract until June 2030.

For Southampton, this sale allows them to recover part of the €10 million they invested in 2022 to secure his services. Rock bottom of Serie A after 24 rounds, Hellas Verona are fighting for survival. Bella-Kotchap will have a crucial role to play in a reshaped defense this winter as the club looks to close a six-point gap to safety.