Atalanta's Determination to Sign Odilon Kossounou
Atalanta Bergamo is on the brink of securing Odilon Kossounou's services on a permanent basis from Bayer Leverkusen, as the club sets to activate a €25 million purchase option by the middle of June. Kossounou's journey at Atalanta began last August, when he joined the Italian side on a season-long loan for a fee of €5 million. The total transfer, valued at €30 million, is structured with clear conditions to move forward with the permanent signing.
The Ivorian defender, only 24, has shown potential despite some setbacks. His stint in Bergamo was unfortunately marked by a muscular injury in October, followed by an unfortunate adductor issue in January, yet this didn't deter the Atalanta management or head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini is reportedly a strong advocate of Kossounou's talent, valuing the solid contributions he made in the 17 appearances he managed across different competitions this season.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for Bayer Leverkusen
This anticipated transfer disrupts Bayer Leverkusen's defensive lineup strategies, leading to a significant gap since Kossounou's departure. Last season marked a contentious time for him at Leverkusen, where he fell out of favor with manager Xabi Alonso due to inconsistent performances. This transfer could signify a major change in how Leverkusen approaches player management and team composition.
In Kossounou's absence, the club has turned to players like Edmond Tapsoba and Nordi Mukiele; however, neither has been able to convincingly fill the void left on the right-back side. Their struggles were further compounded by Mario Hermoso's unfortunate season-ending injury, leaving Leverkusen in a bind to find a sustainable solution for their defense.
As Kossounou looks poised to embrace a new chapter in his career with Atalanta, it's curtains for his three-year journey in the Bundesliga. During his time at Leverkusen, he made a solid 73 top-flight appearances and was part of the squad that celebrated a domestic double victory last season. Moving to Italy appears to be a beneficial shift for Kossounou, who has reportedly adapted well, both on and off the field, and is eager to make a lasting impact in the Serie A.
