VfL Bochum transferred the young centre‑back Bella Kotchap to Italian side FC Venezia on 5 June 2026, securing a record transfer fee. The 22‑year‑old Frenchman left after two seasons in Bochum, where he had become a regular starter.

How much was the transfer fee?

The club announced the fee at roughly €12 million – the highest ever for VfL Bochum. The sum will be reinvested into squad planning, said sporting director Thomas Tuchel. VfL Bochum currently sits 9th in the 2. Bundesliga with 44 points, 11 wins, 11 draws and 12 losses from 34 games.

Why did Bochum sell their record player?

Bochum’s coaching staff saw Kotchap’s market potential extending beyond this season. The club needs financial flexibility to secure further signings. Kotchap also expressed a desire to play in a top league. The move lets him test Serie A, while Bochum uses the proceeds to bolster its attack – the team has scored 49 goals and conceded 47, a +2 goal difference.

What does this mean for squad planning?

With the transfer money, VfL Bochum aims to bring in at least two new attacking players. Talks are already underway with a striker from the Dutch Eredivisie and a creative midfielder from the Czech league. The goal is to cement the recent form – three straight wins – and close the gap to the leaders, as the club sits 26 points behind league‑top FC Schalke 04.

How did the fans react?

Social‑media reactions were mixed. Many praised the club’s financial strength, while others lamented the loss of a key player. Comments highlighted the latest result: Karlsruher SC 1‑2 VfL Bochum on 17 May 2026, confirming the upward trend. The club remains hopeful that upcoming signings will push the team further up the table.

Bella Kotchap’s transfer marks a turning point for VfL Bochum: financial security paired with sporting ambition, aiming to climb higher in the second half of the season.