Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is closing on a move to Borussia Dortmund

The clubs are ironing out an agreement now for the 21-year-old Germany international who will join an initial loan with obligation to buy. 

Bella-Kotchap moved to St Mary’s at the start of last season from Bundesliga side VFL Bochum in a £10m deal and made 26 appearances for the club in 2022-23.

He was also part of the Germany’s squad that went to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup in December.  

Armel Bella-Kotchap is set to move to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund before the deadline 

Russel Martin will have to do without the German centre-back as he plots his promotion charge

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The centre-back is yet to play for Russell Martin’s side this season, and now looks set to leave Southampton with a move to Dortmund on a season-long loan deal. 

Bella-Kotchap’s current deal with Southampton runs out in 2026, but the move to Germany includes an obligation to buy next summer. 

His arrival could mean it’s a busy week for Dortmund, who are also reportedly closing in on a deal for Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug. 

Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt had also been linked with the forward, but it looks like Dortmund have won the race for his signature.  

Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is keen to add to his squad before the end of the summer window