Nantes Agree Deal To Sign Armel Bella-Kotchap From Southampton

FC Nantes have agreed with Southampton to sign defender Armel Bella-Kotchap on loan, with an option to buy. The German international will strengthen Nantes’ defense for the new Ligue 1 season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Nantes acted quickly to secure Bella-Kotchap, who is valued at around €9 million. The deal includes a loan for the 2025/26 season, with an option to buy for €9 million. Bella-Kotchap, 23, joins Nantes after underwhelming performances from Radakovic in pre-season. Other clubs, like Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen, were interested, but Nantes agreed first. Bella-Kotchap is contracted to Southampton until June 2026 and has two caps for Germany.

HOW THIS AFFECTS NANTES AND SOUTHAMPTON?

Nantes struggled defensively last season, finishing in the bottom half in Ligue 1, and want to change that trend. The club hopes Bella-Kotchap’s arrival will improve their defense. He played 17 matches for Southampton last season, starting only 9 times as the team failed to stay in the Premier League and were relegated to the Championship. They now lose a squad player but could gain a significant transfer fee if Nantes makes the move permanent. As reported, Southampton was relegated following the 2024/25 season, which has affected their squad dynamics.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH TEAMS?

Nantes face a tough match against Strasbourg, who finished 7th last season after having played PSG for the league opener. Strasbourg aim for European qualification this year. Nantes hope Bella-Kotchap will be available immediately, as Radakovic’s form is concerning. If Bella-Kotchap impresses, Nantes might buy him before January. Meanwhile, Southampton will strengthen their defense as they prepare to face QPR, with both clubs fighting for a Championship play-off spot. Currently, Southampton is sitting 15th in the Championship after two matches, just one point above the relegation zone.