By Angu Lesley
Football writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
English Premier League side Southampton have signed German-born Cameroon-eligible center-back Armel Bella Ketchap on a four-year contract from VFL Bochum.
The German side accepted a £10m bid from the Saints last week, and the move for the man who featured in 22 Bundesliga games last season was annouced on Wednesday.
Welcome to #SaintsFC, Armel Bella-Kotchap! 😇 pic.twitter.com/ZMTfLuN9Yt
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 21, 2022
This means the Germany under-21 defender will link up with Saints German manager Ralph Hasenhuttl who has done well since moving to England.
‘I am very pleased that we have been able to secure Armel’s signing.
‘He is a player who fits our profile very well and has a huge amount of potential, but with the number of senior games he has already played he can help us immediately,” Hasenhuttl explained.
Born in Paris-France, of Cameroonian parents – Bella made his Bochum debut aged 17 three years ago and amassed 74 appearances for the first team.
Bella is believed to have had a problem of choice with German and English clubs have shown imterest in signing him. Raph things picking the Saint Mary’s as his new home is a spot on decision.
‘I think he has made the perfect choice in wanting to join us and we will now work with him to make sure he reaches his potential both for himself and for the team.
‘We already have some very strong options in defence and Armel adds more attributes to that list,’ the manager stated following the latest addition after adding to goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Lis Mateusz who walked through the doors of the club earlier this summer.
‘It’s amazing and I’m delighted to be here. I think, every young player dreams to play in the Premier League and I’m here and I’m happy and thankful for that,” Bella said before adding there was a Raph-effect in the whole process.
‘The coach has a big impact on me. We speak the same language and his interest was very big in me. I’m ready to go and I will fight for my place.’
Though Dongmo holds French and German passports, he is eligible to play for Cameroon through his parental ties.
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