Armel Bella-Kotchap left VfL Bochum for Southampton in July 2022 and played 27 games in his debut season at St Mary’s.
Last season, the centre-back was on loan at PSV Eindhoven and since returning to Southampton, he’s lost prominence, playing 329 minutes from four league games.
The Southampton player was the guest on podcast Kicker meets DAZN, where he talked about a few topics, including his future.
Bella-Kotchap is of the belief he has improved since joining Southampton while has left the door open for a move away from the English club.
When asked ‘what’s next’, he said: “I don’t think I’m finished with my development yet. I still have other goals I’m striving for.
“English football has helped me a lot with my development, and I want to take further steps in the coming years. Whether that will be in England, I don’t know. I’m open.”
The French-born Germany international has less than 15 months left on his contract and the summer window would be Southampton’s last chance to earn a decent fee from his sale.
His four league appearances came in last five games under Ivan Jurić’s order, and the 23-year-old wasn’t able to help the Saints avoid defeats in any of those fixtures.
The Premier League club are currently at the bottom of the table, 19 points behind 17th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. The defender has given his take on why Southampton have struggled this season.
“This season was very turbulent and tough for us players, mentally too,” Bella-Kotchap explained.
“As soon as you lose several games in a row, you can no longer approach things with the greatest confidence. You have to work on that again through small situations.”
