In addition to Jonathan Tah, who wants to move to FC Bayern, Piero Hincapie is repeatedly mentioned as the hottest candidate for an expensive sale from Leverkusen’s central defense. But that role belongs to Odilon Kossounou
When Odilon Kossounou moved from Club Brugge to Bayer 04 in Leverkusen in 2021 for a transfer fee of €23 million, it came as a surprise to many observers, especially in Belgium. After all, the now 23-year-old Ivorian was expected to make a direct leap into the Premier League.
The quick right-footed player, who is strong in tackles but also strong in the game, proved why in the first half of last season at Bayer 04.
With his profile, which is complemented by his versatility to play as a central and full-back, the 2024 Africa Cup winner is predestined for the English top flight. And a move to an absolute top club was already the next step in Kossounou’s career plan after he opted for Werkself three years ago.
Contract with Bayer 04 until 2026
He is still under contract with them until 2026. Bayer would like to extend his contract, but the professional would like to wait and see how the transfer market develops in this transfer window. If the door to an attractive club opens, the athlete would walk through it
This is why Kossounou, unlike six-man Robert Andrich (29), whose contract extension at Leverkusen has already been agreed, and Amine Adli (24), with whom Bayer are negotiating, has put off contract talks with his current employer for the first time. The only one of the trio currently tied to Bayer 04 until 2026.
It is therefore quite possible that Kossounou, rather than Tah, will be the big transfer income that Bayer would still like to achieve, as rumored in the industry. However, it would then also be clear that Bayer would have to sign a suitable replacement
