Report: Borussia Dortmund Makes an Offer to Sign Armel Bella-Kotchap from Southampton
Before the window shuts, a Mats Hummels replacement might be making his way to the Westfalenstadion.
Armel Bella-Kotchap, a center back for Southampton, is the subject of a heated chase by Borussia Dortmund, who has made a bid for the 21-year-old French-born German international.

Sebastian Kehl seems to still have some cooking to do during the summer transfer window. BVB have been in desperate need of extra center defense depth ever since Soumala Coulibaly recently joined Royal Antwerp, and Kehl is optimistic that he’s found his man. Patrick Berger claims that BVB has now officially offered Southampton a price for Bella-Kotchap. The proposal is for a loan with a purchase option.

A signing of Bella-Kotchap would not only be a depth signing, but also a signing for the future, as Paul has already noted in an earlier piece about the player. Bayern has expressed interest in ABK as well, although they have not yet made a firm bid for the player. This lackluster transfer window would be made much more bearable if Bayern was able to snare a player like this. Given that Kehl has had some difficulty unloading a number of players, namely Thorgan Hazard and Thomas Meunier, a loan with a buy option looks to be the best (and only) option.

Take a look at Bella-Kotchap’s (quite promising) FB Ref page if you want to learn more about the player and see what all the fuss is about.

🚨 Borussia Dortmund have made an offer to Southampton – loan + option to buy regarding Armel Bella-Kotchap. The player is keen to join Borussia Dortmund. Bayern also interested but they haven't spoken to the player yet.

🗞 @berger_pj #BVB pic.twitter.com/fYOD20WyY2

— BVB Newsblog (@bvbnewsblog) August 29, 2023

Your Opinions?
What do you think of the present state of the transfer window? And if Kehl is successful in bringing ABK to Dortmund, how would you rank that? Tell us in the comments section below!

Celtic-linked Lyanco departs Southampton as a loan agreement is official

Celtic-linked Following the completion of his transfer to Qatar with Al Gharafa, Lyanco left Southampton.

Since joining Saints in 2021, the defender has made 49 appearances, but he has only made one appearance for Russell Martin’s team so far in 2023–24.

With only two games remaining in the Qatar Stars League, Pedro Martins’ team is in fifth position with four points when the 26-year-old joins The Cheetahs.

Lyanco was mentioned in connection with a shocking transfer to Celtic over the weekend, as the Hoops are now looking to bolster their defense.

In addition, the club wished Lyanco well for the remainder of the campaign, according to a Southampton statement.

After the weekend’s scoreless draw with St. Johnstone, Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic appeared to be frustrated with his status on the team’s periphery.

Haksabanovic shared a picture of himself wearing a Celtic jersey along with the following statement on his verified Instagram account: “If they don’t see your value maybe you’re not at the right place.”

Since joining Celtic 12 months ago, the international from Montenegro has only started 13 games, including four since the World Cup, and has made two substitute appearances under Rodgers.

Chris Sutton, a former Celtic striker, promptly criticized the statement on Twitter, writing: “Haksabanovic may have a point but he’s out of place expressing his point in public.

“If you’re unsatisfied, just go knock on the manager’s door and let him know… Additionally, playing well is helpful.