Southampton could see a player who has no future at the club finally moved on this summer as two clubs have made their interest known.
It has been a busy summer at Southampton with eight arrivals and the exits of the likes of Romain Perraud, Lyanco, Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams.
Despite this, Russell Martin will be hoping the club’s business is far from over as the Saints attack is in need of some surgery this summer.
With five defenders brought in since promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, there is enormous competition for places in the backline.
- READ MORE: Southampton’s bargain swoop surely spells the end for player who Russell Martin dubbed ‘the boss’
However, it now looks as though Southampton could benefit from interest in a centre-back whose future has long-seemed away from the club to free up space in the squad.
Two Bundesliga clubs interested in move for Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap
That player is Armel Bella-Kotchap, the young defender who spent last season on loan at PSV after Southampton suffered relegation from the Premier League.
The Saints spent £8.6 million to sign the German from VfL Bochum in summer 2022 and it looked an inspired singing early in his debut campaign as Bella-Kotchap put in a string of impressive performances.
However, injury derailed his campaign before the player sought a summer exit in order to boost his chances of representing Germany at their home Euros this summer.
That did not materialise as Bella-Kotchap endured another injury-ravaged campaign, playing just four league games as PSV won the Eredivisie.
Yet to feature in pre-season for Southampton this summer, it has been widely expected Bella-Kotchap would be sold and that eventuality could now be edging closer.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on ‘X’: “Understand Southampton have received two approached for Armel Bella-Kotchap: Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are both interested.
“No agreement so far but both clubs have approached Southampton, Saints sources confirm.”
How much could Southampton make from Bella-Kotchap sale?
Southampton want a permanent resolution to Bella-Kotchap’s future this summer as he has become a forgotten figure at St Mary’s, so the interest from Hoffenheim and Stuttgart will be welcome.
- READ MORE: Recent Southampton decision surely spells the end for ‘monster’ signed by Ralph Hasenhuttl
Still only 22 and a German international, Bella-Kotchap remains highly-rated across Europe but his injury struggles are enough to put a number of sides off.
It is likely that without these woes Bella-Kotchap would be worth a considerable fee.
Southampton could still recoup a decent profit on the defender, though, with Romano reporting in April that the Saints are likely to demand a fee in the region of €20 million (£17 million).
This would a respectable sum and, with the defence already addressed this summer, would allow Martin to invest the funds on his attack.