Frankfurt updates: SGE consider purchase of Bella-Kotchap, Knauff and club agree to terms
Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that Eintracht Frankfurt may be the first Bundesliga club to court German international Armel Bella Kotchap after his Premiership club succumbs to relegation.
In other Eintracht-related transfer news, Christopher Michel of Germany's "Sport1" reports that Ansgar Knauff has agreed to terms with the SGE on the structure of his new contract. All that remains is to finalize compensation to Dortmund.
Rising German central defensive talent Armel Bella-Kotchap has doubled his estimated market worth from €11 million to €22 million since moving to the Isle this past summer. The fate of the 21-year-old's Premiership side, on the other hand, has failed to rise with him. Southampton F.C. are currently in last-place in England's top division. The "Saints" stand only a small arithmetical chance of avoiding relegation.
In other Eintracht-related transfer news, Christopher Michel of Germany's "Sport1" reports that Ansgar Knauff has agreed to terms with the SGE on the structure of his new contract. All that remains is to finalize compensation to Dortmund.
The situation becomes quite problematic for Bella-Kotchap, who will almost certainly wish to play for another club in order to help preserve his chances of remaining with the German national team. The former VfL Bochum defender's current contract nevertheless does not contain an exit clause, meaning that the southern Englanders are free to demand a high transfer fee for him.
Germany's "Sport Bild" tabloid reports that Eintracht Frankfurt are considering bringing Bella-Kotchap back to the Bundesrepublik as part of their summer defensive rebuild. The player's price-tag will absolutely need to be negotiated down, however, if Markus Krösche and the SGE administrative team are to consider a purchase. Another Bundesliga side with deeper pockets might be more inclined.
Eintracht have already signed a defensive reinforcement in the form of Ecuadorian Willian Pacho Tenorio. It also looks to be the case that the RheinMain club will soon be on the hook for a €5 million transfer fee for loan player Ansgar Knauff. Christopher Michel of Germany's "Sport1" reports that club and player have agreed to terms.
At last check, it's been rumored that Eintracht have offered €5 million for the German youth international's services. Such an offer can largely be considered fair for a player valued at €10 million who has still had developmental issues as of late. A transfer should thus be considered a formality and announced soon.
News #Knauff: Einigung erzielt zwischen Spieler und #SGE! Knauff bekennt sich zur #Eintracht. Nun müssen sich noch der #BVB und #Eintracht einigen. Geschätzte Ablöse liegt bei ca. 5 Millionen € @SPORT1
— Christopher Michel (@CMoffiziell) May 11, 2023