Southampton fans were left shocked by news that Armel Bella-Kotchap failed his Hoffenheim medical prior to sealing a deal, but Russell Martin has now eased fears.
Armel Bella-Kotchap was signed by Southampton in summer 2022 and impressed initially before struggling with injuries as the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Having made his Germany debut early in his time at Southampton, the defender was keen not to be forgotten about by playing in the Championship so pushed through a loan move to PSV last summer with a view to making the national side for a home Euros this summer.
This did not pan out as hoped for Bella-Kotchap, who started just three league games as PSV won the Eredivisie due to a recurring shoulder injury that required surgery.
With that issue resolved, Southampton struck a deal with Hoffenheim for Bella-Kotchap’s permanent exit, but this hit a stumbling block as reports emerged that the 22-year-old failed his medical due to a heart issue being detected.
Russell Martin eases Southampton fears after Armel Bella-Kotchap failed medical
Russell Martin faced the media for the first time as a Premier League manager on Thursday afternoon to preview Southampton’s clash with Newcastle United on Saturday.
Here he was somewhat inevitably asked about the Bella-Kotchap news, with concerns for both the player as well as the position it leaves Southampton in if the £12.8 million deal falls through.
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However, the Saints boss was quick to ease fears following Wednesday’s news as he explained that the issue is not as bad as it sounds.
Martin explained at his press conference: “He is in Hoffenheim and it is progressing.
“Armel, because it mentions the heart, it’s probably a scarier story than it actually is.
“He’s had a really standard procedure on it so they want to investigate and do more tests of course, but it’s never really caused him a problem and we’ve been aware of it for quite some time.”
Martin went on to add that he anticipates the deal going through, saying: “I expect, and I hope for Armel. that it will all be fine and it will all happen. So, as I said, it’s progressing. Armel is fine, he’s completely fine and I think it’s a really good deal for all parties.
“So, hopefully for him and for us and for Hoffenheim it will all go through and if it doesn’t we’ll reassess and we’ll get him back here.”
Bella-Kotchap exit important for Southampton to reinvest
Had it not been for his injury troubles, Southampton could likely have demanded a far larger fee for Bella-Kotchap this summer.
However, £12.8 million still represents a decent amount of money for a player who seemingly had no future at the club and Martin will hope he can reinvest on attacking players in the rest of the window.
Despite making eight first-team signings already this summer, Martin will certainly feel he needs more with his squad lacking firepower.
Ben Brereton Diaz has come in from Villarreal after a successful six month loan spell at Sheffield United last season on a personal level despite relegation, but Southampton still need at least a winger and attacking midfielder.
With both positions unlikely to be cheap to address, Southampton will hope that the issue regarding Bella-Kotchap’s medical can be resolved.