Latest news with #ArmelBellaKotchap
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hamburg drop pursuit of Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap
The Hamburger Morgenpost reports that Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap's transfer to Hamburg has fallen through. The newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit does not wish to meet Southampton's demand for a €10m transfer fee. Attempts to work out a loan deal with the EFL Championship club also proved unsuccessful. Bella-Kotchap's stated desire to return to the Bundesliga may yet yield something. Borussia Mönchengladbach were also rumored to be interested in the twice-capped German international. A move to Hamburg would have nevertheless made much more sense for Bella-Kotchap. The 23-year-old could have received the chance to accrue regular playing time in Merlin Polzin's squad, not to mention potentially form an intriguing central defensive partnership with another German centre-back returning from a long stint abroad, Jordan Torunarigha. The Morgenpost article notes that Hamburg shall intensify their search for another central defender over the weekend, ideally having a new introduction to present early next week. Interestingly enough, HSV have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic. Luka's elder brother Mario represented Hamburg in the 2. Bundesliga prior to becoming embroiled in his famous doping incident. A loan deal for the 18-year-old Luka, per the paper, has been officially ruled out. GGFN |
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hamburg the latest club credited with interest in Bella-Kotchap
Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap could depart the club this summer but his future has been (Image: PA) RECENTLY promoted Bundesliga side Hamburg are the latest club credited with interest in Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap. Bella-Kotchap is keen on a return to Germany after three years at Saints, and also has reported interest from Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Advertisement Hamburg sporting director Stefan Kuntz is familiar with Bella-Kotchap, having handed the now 23 year old his under-21 debut in 2021. Hamburger Abendblatt report that Hamburg have renewed their interest in the out-of-favour Saints defender ahead of their Bundesliga return. Armel Bella-Kotchap pictured during a brief cameo against Cardiff City. (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC) READ: 'Interesting profiles' - Still shares first impressions of Quarshie and Matsuki Bella-Kotchap played just five times for Saints last season, once in the Carabao Cup and four times in the Premier League, and was particularly not fancied by Russell Martin. Advertisement The two-time Germany international was eventually handed minutes when a centre-back injury crisis hit Saints, but fell out of favour again when players returned to fitness. Southampton manager Will Still has admitted the club need to sell players before making further additions this summer, in order to trim the size of his squad. They have made progress with that, having already sold Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu, while Kyle Walker-Peters, Joe Lumley and Adam Lallana's contracts expired.
