Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap had an opportunity to join TSG Hoffenheim in the summer window.
The operation was advanced, and the 23-year-old travelled to Germany to carry out medical tests. The transfer didn’t go through due to an [issue that arose](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-exit-left-in-jeopardy-after-issues-arose-during-medical-talks-now-re-opened/) during his medical examinations and Hoffenheim decided to pull the plug.
Fast forward to December and [Bild](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/bella-kotchap-verraet-mein-bayern-wechsel-platzte-in-letzter-sekunde-6765377c72569a4cab5cd26c) had a chat with the Southampton player, and the first question was about his failed move to Hoffenheim.
Back in August, reports from the German press had stated Hoffenheim found that the 23-year-old had a heart problem. Bild now asked the centre-back to provide clarification about his failed summer move.
_“What I can say on the subject is simply explained: I came to Hoffenheim and the medical check in perfect health,”_ he said.
_“At Southampton, an increased heart rate was measured during training just two weeks earlier, but it had nothing to do with a structural heart problem._
_“According to my club’s tests, everything was okay. I’ve never had heart problems and to be on the safe side I did loads of extra checkups when I returned to England, but nothing was found there either.”_
After the Germany international provided this response, Bild followed it up with another question over why the transfer failed.
The defender has been critical of the German club for using the media to their advantage. He claims the individual responsible for this is no longer at Hoffenheim, but the damage has already been done.
Responding to that, Bella-Kotchap explained: _“I still don’t have a precise explanation for this myself.”_
_“I was told by the club that a TSG employee is said to have leaked the information._ _The employee in question has since had to leave the club. One thing is certain: the overall situation has damaged a potential transfer.”_
Bella-Kotchap made one appearance for Southampton this season and it came in their EFL Cup win over Cardiff City in August.