Southampton has completed the signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap from Bundesliga club Bochum for £8.5m. Bella-Kotchap has made 74 appearances for Bochum including 26 appearances n the Bundesliga 2 as he helped the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga. He made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga last season as they finished 13th on the table. The 20-year-old has represented the country at the U20 level. Southampton endured a difficult season as they finished in 15th place in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone losing their last four games.
“He is a player who fits our profile very well and has a huge amount of potential,” Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl said after completing the signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap. “But, with the number of senior games he has already played, he can help us immediately. I think he has made the perfect choice in wanting to join us and we will now work with him to make sure he reaches his potential both for himself and for the team.”
“I think, every young player dreams to play in the Premier League and I’m here and I’m happy and thankful for that,” Bella-Kotchap said. “The coach has a big impact on me. We speak the same language and his interest was very big in me. The club convinced me and said they want to make a project with me and I’m ready to go and I will fight for my place.”
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