According to kicker, Hoffenheim’s move for Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is likely to fall through.
It had previously been reported that Die Kraichgauer were looking to complete a deal for the former VfL Bochum defender alongside Le Havre’s Étienne Youte Kinkoue.
This led to Hoffenheim targeting RB Salzburg defender Oumar Solet as Youte Kinkoue’s replacement.
Nevertheless, once again, the transfer fell through in the final stages, leaving Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side with Bella-Kotchap as their only target.
Regardless, as stated in the report, complications have emerged in the player’s medical after a fee was agreed with the Saints, making a transfer from the Premier League back to the Bundesliga significantly unlikely.
With Kevin Akpoguma currently Die Kraichgauer’s only fit, experienced centre-back, Matarazzo’s side are showing serious weaknesses with the start of the new campaign fast approaching.
As to whether Hoffenheim will look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement, it is unclear, but with three deals collapsing in the space of a week, the club are certainly enduring a miserable summer transfer window.
GGFN | Will Shopland
