It's OFFICIAL, Odilon Kossounou leaves Bayer Leverkusen

Atalanta Bergamo have officially announced the signing of Ivorian central defender Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer is in the form of a loan with an option to buy.

In the pipeline for a few days, it is now official this Wednesday evening! Atalanta Bergamo secures the services on loan with an option to buy Odilon Kossounou. The Italian club has agreed to pay a fee of €5.5 million for the loan of the Ivorian international for the season. Atalanta has an option to make the transfer permanent for €25 million, although this clause is optional and not mandatory.

In an official statement, the Italian club, which recently lost the European Super Cup against Real Madrid, announced the arrival of the African champion. “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and the entire club welcome Odilon, wishing him all the best in the Nerazzurri colours, both on a personal and collective level.”we can read.

Kossounou, Atalanta's 11th recruit this summer

The announcement of Kossounou's signing came shortly after Teun Koopmeiners joined Juventus on a permanent deal. Kossounou becomes Atalanta's 11th signing of the summer, joining the likes of Rui Patricio, Juan Cuadrado, Raoul Bellanova, and Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Ivory Coast international has been a key part of Bayer Leverkusen's 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign unbeaten under Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen also won the DFB Pokal last season and reached the Europa League final after an impressive campaign, although Atalanta ended their treble hopes with a 3-0 win in the final, thanks to an Ademola Lookman hat-trick.

With the arrival of Odilon Kossounou, Atalanta further strengthens its defense for the upcoming season. This recruitment demonstrates the club's ambition to remain competitive in Serie A and on the European stage.