Armel Bella-Kotchap desires to mark his Bundesliga homecoming in order to take his dwindling career back on track.
In April, Armel Bella-Kotchap made his Southampton feelings clear when he nodded being on the lookout for a new club. Now, voicing these comments during the ongoing season isn't much professional but the Saints can't criticise the centre-back solely for his wrong timing.
That's because the 23-year-old must also be feeling a victim of this "right club, bad timing" idea ever since he joined Southampton in 2022. Three years have gone by, with one promising Premier League season, a decent loan spell and a reduced role in the third which isn't satisfactory by any means.
In fact, Bella-Kotchap's present lineup isolation deservedly screams a permanent exit in the German's ears. Keeping that in mind, the defender should remain careful so as to not repeat another Southampton mistake when the transfer window begins.
Bella-Kotchap aiming to rediscover lost form back in Germany
In this aspect, Bella-Kotchap has taken the safe approach to prefer a return to his homeland should any such opportunity knock on his door.
Lifting the lid on these preferences, Bella-Kotchap was quoted by Sky Sports' Florian Plettenburg: "A return to the Bundesliga is definitely an option for me. People there know what I’m capable of. The Bundesliga is a very attractive destination."
Plus, given Bundesliga's encouraging track record of improving young players, Bella-Kotchap's comeback is still very much possible. As long as he maintains his fitness levels well, because his lacklustre Southampton career was also hindered by constant injuries whenever Bella-Kotchap felt closer to the starting lineup.
Coming to Southampton, the Saints will practically lose every single penny invested in the 23-year-old, but it's still worth it now. Bella-Kotchap has seen over a handful of new managers at St. Mary's and still hasn't convinced anyone, which draws question marks over his ability to impress the next gaffer.
Ultimately, a summer goodbye will suit both parties and let's see where does Bella-Kotchap ends up playing after the summer.