According to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink’s claim through Sport Witness, PSV Eindhoven are unlikely to make the 21-year-old’s loan move permanent in the summer.
How has Bella-Kotchap’s time at Southampton gone thus far?
Bella-Kotchap joined Southampton in the summer of 2022 after leaving VfL Bochum for a rumoured €10 million price.
The Saints’ centre back went on to make 26 appearances in all competitions last season, but he was unable to prevent their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
Following that drop into the second-tier, the 21-year-old was one of a number of places to leave St Mary’s, over the course of this summer’s transfer market.
Bella-Kotchap’s move saw him head to the Netherlands, were he joined Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, on a season-long loan.
Now however, it seems unlikely that move will become a long-term switch for the centre back, as things stand.
What is the most recent information about Bella-Kotchap’s future with PSV and Southampton?
Since arriving in the Netherlands on deadline day, the centre defender has made two appearances for PSV, who now lead the Eredivisie after winning all six league games this season.
Indeed, Bella-Kotchap has received plaudits for his early efforts for the Dutch giants, but it appears that this will not be enough to gain him a long-term contract with the club.
According to the most recent update, PSV do not have the option to buy the Southampton center back as part of his loan agreement.
Indeed, the Dutch side are not expected to look to do that either, as it is thought that they will instead look to revisit their interest in Miles Robinson, after an unsuccessful move for the Atlanta United centre back this summer.
Robinson is apparently seen as a replacement for Bella-Kotchap, meaning there will be no need to sign the Saints man on a permanent deal.
As a result, it is anticipated that Bella-Kotchap will return to Southampton next summer, ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.
There are currently three years remaining on the centre back’s contract with the Championship club, securing his future at St Mary’s until the end of the 2025/26 season.
What could this update on Bella-Kotchap mean for Southampton?
It could be argued that a return to Southampton for Bella-Kotchap next summer, may not be the worst move for the Saints.
The centre back was already a valuable option for the club, and his experiences with PSV in the Eredivisie and Champions League might help him even more.
As a result, he has the potential to be a very good player for Southampton starting next season.
However, the fact that he went on this summer suggests that the Saints may struggle to keep him while they are in the Championship.
With that in mind, if they do not improve on their recent showing, which has seen them drop to 15th in the second-tier standings, there is a chance Bella-Kotchap may be on the move again next summer, even if it is not to sign a longer-term contract with PSV.