Ivan Juric's former club Torino are set to hold his opinion in high regard about signing Armel Bella Kotchap from Southampton.
Since last month, Ivan Juric and Southampton have gone their separate ways. Still, that doesn't change the fact that their collective Premier League alliance can't be forgotten anytime soon.
The Croatian earned the embarrassing mention of the most terrible English top-flight coach ever, and the Saints aren't spared either from a similar blemish. Hence, both of them must be thankful to Simon Rusk to avoid their mutual reputation from getting tarnished further.
Indeed, it's a helpless scenario, but they can still combine to resolve one of Southampton's widening questions. Fringe players, and especially those like Armel Bella-Kotchap, who can still come in handy for a good number of European clubs if they get a suitable playing environment.
Agreed, the 22-year-old has taken countless steps back in his career since his St. Mary's arrival, but his occasional standout performances shouldn't be ignored.
The centre-back put in a good defensive shift at PSV and also made Juric take notice during the latter's penultimate Premier League stretch of games. And that's what might reward him with a crucial chance in Europe's strongest defensive league, Serie A.
Bella-Kotchap may complete a summer move to Torino
This is because, as per TuttoSport(as mentioned by Sport Witness), Juric's former club Torino has eyes on Bella-Kotchap for a summer move. Now, what's important is that the Italian club has been tipped to consult ex-Saints boss Juric for the final decision on the defender.
Honestly, Bella-Kotchap currently stands as a modest candidate for a direct transfer to Torino, yet Juric's involvement can help him get a move. Not to forget, the Croatian, after being impressed with the defender, had tried him in his plans, and that preference can enable a transfer deal here.
Now, if this move goes through, Southampton are in a win-win situation here, without a doubt. While they will get some crucial salary space on the defender, they can get an additional transfer fee as well.
But the question remains, will the Saints' hope bear fruit?