Atalanta have found their defensive reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad after missing out on Rodrigo Becao’s return to Italy. The Bergamo club has secured the services of Odilon Kossounou, the 23-year-old Ivorian defender who played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s nearly perfect season under Xabi Alonso.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Kossounou will join Atalanta on an initial loan deal worth €4 million, with an option to buy that could become mandatory under certain conditions. The total potential transfer fee could reach €27 million if all clauses are met. The club is arranging for the player to undergo medical examinations on Wednesday, after which the African Cup of Nations champion with Ivory Coast will be ready to don the Nerazzurri colors.
The move comes with a touch of irony, as Atalanta was the only team to defeat Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, doing so in the Europa League final. It seems Atalanta has embraced the philosophy: “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
Kossounou’s versatility was on full display during Leverkusen’s triumphant season, where he made 34 appearances and scored one goal en route to winning the Bundesliga and German Cup. The towering Ivorian, standing at 1.91 meters, has experience playing as both a central defender and on the right side of a back three. While he can also operate as a right-back, this position is not typically utilized in either Leverkusen’s or Atalanta’s tactical setups.
This acquisition represents a significant coup for Atalanta, bringing in a player with top-level European experience and the potential to strengthen their defensive line immediately. As Gasperini prepares his team for the upcoming challenges, Kossounou’s arrival could prove to be a crucial factor in Atalanta’s ambitions for the new season.
