Odilon Kossounou
Rome, Italy 28th December 2024: Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta during the Italian Serie A 2024-25 football match between SS Lazio vs Atalanta at the Olimpico Stadium
Newcastle United are in the picture to sign Atalanta’s Odilon Kossounou in the summer, according to Africa Foot.
The Magpies would be looking to improve their defence next season and have the centre-back on their radar.
The Ivory Coast international joined the Serie A side from Bayer Leverkusen, initially on loan in August 2024 and then permanently a year later.
He has established himself in Italy, playing 24 matches in all competitions this season. The defender missed Atalanta’s fixtures between December and January due to AFCON.
Newcastle United keen on Kossounou
His performances for both La Dea and the national team would have grabbed the Premier League’s attention.
The report only names Newcastle United, who are ‘particularly interested’ in the 25-year-old to strengthen their defence.
Kossounou moved to Europe when Hammarby IF signed him from ASEC Mimosas in 2019. Later that year, the Swedish side sold him to Club Brugge, who then allowed him to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
He has already experienced the Bundesliga and the Serie A and played in the Champions League and the Europa League. The defender was also part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2023 AFCON.
Atalanta player ideal target for Magpies
Taking his experience and profile into account, Africa Foot claim he is an ‘ideal candidate’ for the Tyneside club. The report further add Eddie Howe’s side see the Ivorian as a ‘strategic addition’ to add more quality to their defence.
Two months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy of Crystal Palace’s interest in the African. The Eagles were looking at him for the winter market, to replace Marc Guéhi.
Guéhi left Selhurst Park for Manchester City, while Crystal Palace or another club couldn’t sign Kossounou. Atalanta, who paid €20m to buy him, have refused to let him leave at least until the end of this season.
He has a contract until 2029 and Transfermarkt currently values him at €22m by. Africa Foot state Kossounou is valued at €25m and Newcastle United could make an approach in the next window.
Atalanta could probably request a fee higher than that if Newcastle United were to make advances.