Despite late interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim have won the race to sign Armel Bella-Kotchap from Southampton, according to reports in Germany and the player is said to be on his way over to undergo his medical.

Armel Bella-Kotchap looked to be a good signing two years ago, however after a promising start in England it all went wrong with a couple of injuries interrupting his season and after another injury hit time at PSV Eindhoven, he now looks set for a return to Germany.

According to getfootballgermany.com the central defender is on his way to Hoffenheim after they agreed a fee of €15 million for the 22-year-old, who will receive a four-year deal, that works out around £12.8 million in sterling, representing a return of just over £4 million on out initial outlay of £8.6 million.

After travelling to Germany today for his medical on Tuesday. Hoffenheim are expected to officially unveil him as their player by Tuesday evening.

Good luck to Bella-Kotchap, he put in some good displays for Southampton but injuries and circumstances ruined his time here, his injury record means that this is probably the best outcome for Saints and I think he could well go on to become a very good player and win more caps for Germany.

But for Southampton it is some much needed money in the transfer kitty and hopefully with Bella-Kotchap gone it will free up space for a signing or two in the next couple of weeks.

Photo: Action Images

SanMarco added 17:40 - Aug 12 Shame - at his best he was far better than some who I fear will be regulars in that position this season. He was never the same after the injury though. I wish him well.
5

highfield49 added 17:50 - Aug 12 Hopefully all supporters will wish him well, it's a shame that things didn't work out for him at St Marys. Fingers crossed that he passes his medical with ease and can start afresh in Germany.
4

saintjeff52 added 18:15 - Aug 12 He couldn't wait to abandon Ship when we were relegated, quoting his need to play at the highest level,to aid his International ambitions with Germany. It didn't work out for him. I'm glad he's out back to Germany. We march on.
2

Bowlercow added 18:55 - Aug 12 If he gets good coaching he will become a top international player Reads the game a nd intercepts well Best of luck to you Armel
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Butty101 added 21:06 - Aug 12 I Have to say you are all very generous. This is yet another example of a player that couldnt be arsed. By all accounts his behaviour has been less that professional and we are well shot. Frustratingly there probably is a good player in their.
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SaintPaulVW added 22:44 - Aug 12 ABK, Salisu, Lemina, Boufal - all really gifted players but it just didn't seem to click here for them. Wish him well in his career just a shame it didn't really work out here for either him or us.
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Colburn added 23:55 - Aug 12 Saint VW, Hasenhittl didn’t develop the stylish and gifted players. He liked workhorses and sideways football. They all played for a club going in the wrong direction and struggled to make long term impacts. Whereas Mane, Tadic, Wanyama, Van Dijk played in a team surrounded by quality, with a refreshing hunger for attacking football, coached under the likes of Adkins, Poch and Koeman. Good to see we’re bringing in some money, we’re well short at the moment and if KWP is off, I hope it’s soon!

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underweststand added 09:48 - Aug 13 Arrived whilst still in his teens (?), hard to settle and got an early setback with injuries. Obviously has talent, and playing on home soil may bring the best out of him. If w can get a profit on the deal , it's one less problem to think about.
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