Nantes view Armel Bella-Kotchap as a one-stop solution to their many defensive departures, and this overdependence looks bound to cost them after an underwhelming campaign.
Ever since the inception of Armel Bella-Kotchap's Saints spell, the player's arrival has been a far more discussed issue than his performances. And while being a burden on the club's books every transfer window since then, the 23-year-old's case resolution still demands time.
But contrary to what many think, Bella-Kotchap's forced continual hasn't been a result of no offers, but the lofty ambitions from either entourage have seen him captivated here until now.
In case you remember, earlier this summer, Bella-Kotchap's Bundesliga priority demands had seen many clubs turn their backs on him. And while finally, now the 23-year-old has a club vouching for him, their eerie demands may turn a successful deal off again.
So, as per French outlet L'Equipe, Ligue 1 side Nantes recently knocked on the Saints' door for Bella-Kotchap. Having made some important defensive departures this summer, Nantes consider the Saint as a viable loan option to bolster their ranks.
Honestly, considering just this, supporters of this potential deal would feel on top of the world with their happiness. But sadly, their smiles are momentary, bound to fade as soon as they realise that this exciting deal is a disguised guaranteed failure.
Bella-Kotchap must refrain from risking his future with Nantes move
That's because, coming on the back of an extremely poor season, Bella-Kotchap's candidature falls far short of the backline leader Nantes is searching for. And though shameful to admit, there isn't a guarantee that he fares out better than the academy defenders the club have pushed through for next season.
Additionally, with the club's management recently changed, a push for Bella-Kotchap can be a move doomed to fail for both parties. Particularly, given how Nantes barely scraped off relegation last season.
Yet, if that's not enough reasons, Bella-Kotchap must abide by the unwritten code of no transfers between the Saints and Nantes if the latter come calling for him. Despite a few transfer rumours, no player exchange has ever taken place between the two clubs and experimenting with a move at the cost of Bella-Kotchap's future could be the worst thing to do.
So, disappointingly, for more than enough reasons, Nantes and Bella-Kotchap look far from a match for a successful spell. Definitely, things may turn otherwise, but will a transfer be worth the risk? Let's see.