Exclusive: Southampton defender Bella-Kotchap set for Verona medical | OneFootball

Hellas Verona have hijacked Nantes’ bid to sign Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap and are waiting for the 23-year-old to come to Italy for his medical tests.

Verona have made a surprising move to sign Southampton defender Bella-Kotchap and are now waiting for the Germany international to undergo medical tests in Italy.

Southampton defender set for Verona medical

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Armel Bella-Kotchap of Southampton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Southampton FC at Portman Road on February 01, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Bella-Kotchap was close to joining Nantes on loan, but Verona have hijacked the proposal from the French club and are now on the verge of securing the services of the 23-year-old, also on a temporary transfer.

Born in Paris in 2001, Bella-Kotcha has a German passport and made two appearances with the senior Germany national team in 2022.

Bella-Kotcha’s career so far

epa11764751 Verona’s head coach Paolo Zanetti gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Empoli FC in Verona, Italy, 08 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Emanuele Pennnacchio

Bella-Kotcha is a centre-back who can also play as a right-back.

He made four Premier League appearances with Southampton last season but has also played for PSV and Bochum.

Verona kicked off the new Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw against regional rivals Udinese on Monday.