Southampton Confirm Late Deadline Day Transfer as Armel Bella-Kotchap Completes Loan Exit
Saints Bid Farewell to Defender on Last Day of Market
Bella-Kotchap Joins Club Brugge on Season-Long Deal
Southampton Football Club has confirmed the departure of defender Armel Bella-Kotchap, who has joined Belgian side Club Brugge on a season-long loan deal. The transfer was completed late on deadline day, with Bella-Kotchap bidding farewell to the Saints after just one season at the club.
The 23-year-old German has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Nathan Jones following his £8 million move from VfL Bochum last summer. With Southampton now competing in the Championship, Bella-Kotchap has been deemed surplus to requirements and allowed to leave on loan.
Bella-Kotchap made 22 appearances for the Saints in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, but only nine of those were starts. He will be looking to gain more regular playing time at Club Brugge, who are aiming to challenge for the Belgian Pro League title and qualify for the Champions League.
Bella-Kotchap's departure is the first of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for Southampton. The Saints are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Championship and have already been linked with a number of new signings.
Comments