After being relegated to Southampton FC, centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap’s future looks likely to remain in one of the top European leagues. The 21-year-old will, according to information from “L’Equipe” courted by AS Monaco. The Ligue 1 representative observes the market for central defenders very closely – and in the process came across the German international.
The Monegasque are said to have already contacted Bella-Kotchap, who would like to continue playing at the top level and therefore wants to leave Southampton. He would have to deal with the new Monaco coach Adi Hütter. The 53-year-old Austrian was introduced as the successor to Belgian Philippe Clement after missing out on qualifying for the European Cup, and the ex-Bundesliga coach received a two-year contract. Meanwhile, Bella-Kotchap, who was signed by VfL Bochum for 11 million euros in 2022, is tied to his current employer for another year.
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According to the French sports daily, AS Monaco is up against well-known competition from the Bundesliga when it comes to wooing the Paris-born professional: RB Leipzig is also showing interest. The Saxons are looking for reinforcements for the defense – probably because Josko Gvardiol (21) could be drawn to Manchester City. The Croatian had recently submitted his wish to change, and negotiations are underway. “Sky” had already reported in May that Bella-Kotchap had come into focus at RB.
The defender, who was also linked with Eintracht Frankfurt in the spring and made 26 appearances in 2022/23, is not available for free despite being relegated to the “Saints”. According to the “Bild”, the Bochum home-grown plant would cost 20 million euros in line with the market value. Relegated from the Premier League are provided with a financial “parachute” due to the significantly lower TV income in the House of Commons. As a rule, there is only a risk of financial problems if promotion does not succeed for two years in a row and the squad costs are not adjusted accordingly. These payments could even be increased (further background).
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