Armel Bella-Kotchap snubs Nantes' agreement to join Italian side Hellas Verona, a club where ex-Saints gaffer Ivan Juric enjoys a respected, iconic figure.
Looking back, it's been quite a time since Saints moved on from ex-boss Ivan Juric, but sadly, his impressions in the club's history feel indelible. And no matter how much a Premier League boss struggles, hardly anyone would end up below par than his tally.
Still, that in no way discredits Juric of his Southampton contributions, particularly by taking Sulemana on his books. Interestingly, the manager has now played an indirect cameo in getting Saints off another flop, Armel Bella-Kotchap.
In case you remember, the Saints' outcast had come into the lineup contention only for a brief while last season, all under Juric. Needless to say, if someone could resolve Bella-Kotchap's situation, it could be Juric, and that has proven to be the case now.
In a surprise turn of events, fans hardly witness, Bella-Kotchap has got his loan destination changed from Nantes to Juric's coveted former venture, Hellas Verona.
Saints wish Bella-Kotchap for a successful Verona spell like ex-boss Juric
Recently, Southampton officially confirmed the Bella-Kotchap transfer update with the headline, quoting: "Defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has joined Serie A outfit Hellas Verona on a season-long loan."
Now, for the Saints, anticipating the defender's miseries ahead of a Nantes move, this official announcement comes as great relief. And on a personal level, too, getting tasked to build over his favourite Saints boss, Juric's success, a Hellas Verona transfer should come as exciting news for the 23-year-old.
That's because, if you know, Juric fueled stability into a newly promoted Verona side that was returning to Serie A after a stopgap journey in the second tier. But see how the times have turned, as Juric's disciple Bella-Kotchap would now be up against him this season.
Well, the difficult the challenge, the better the reward up for grabs. With this Hella Veronas transfer, Bella-Kotchap has a dream opportunity of making a Premier League comeback before he turns 25. But shall he be able to make the most of it?