Two Bundesliga clubs interested in Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap | OneFootball

Since moving from VfL Bochum to Southampton FC in July 2022, German centre-back Armel Bella Kotchap has been habitually linked with a return to the Bundesliga. Rumors surrounding the twice-capped German international are cropping up once again. This time, Sky Germany reports that mid-table sides SV Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach are interested in the 23-year-old.

Bella-Kotchap’s move to the Isle hasn’t worked out quite as hoped. Though he did initially succeed in his first Premier League season – also his first German senior team caps, the Saints have loaned him out twice since. This year, he’s only made four EPL appearances for his relegated English top-flight side.

Bella-Kotchap’s estimated market value has fallen from its peak of €20m in early 2023 to €12m in the latest transfermarkt listings. This happened to be the price for which Bochum sold him to Southampton nearly three years ago.

Both Gladbach and Bremen have a grave need to restock their central defensive ranks this summer. Bella-Kotchap himself is quoted in the Sky article expressing his desire to return to the country he’s called home since beginning his academy career in 2005.

“A return to the Bundesliga is definitely an option for me,” Bella-Kotchap is quoted as saying. “ People there know what I am capable of. The Bundesliga is a very attractive destination.”

GGFN | Peter Weis