Liverpool identify 23-year-old Bundesliga winner as potential defensive reinforcement

Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou is on the radar of Liverpool

Liverpool are reportedly in a transfer battle with arch-rivals Manchester United for the signing of highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou.

Odilon Kossounou has established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the Bundesliga since arriving at Bayer Leverkusen from Club Brugge in 2021. He has made 102 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen thus far, chipping in with a goal and three assists. While the Ivorian was not a regular starter last season, he played a big part in their maiden Bundesliga title triumph under Xabi Alonso.

So, it is hardly surprising that Kossounou is a man in demand this summer. In the Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential €45m deal for Kossounou. Newcastle United could also get involved in the transfer race, which may make a potential deal for the Reds tricky.

Bayer Leverkusen have offered the 23-year-old defender a new contract but he is yet to decide whether or not to continue his progress at Bay Arena. He has reportedly yet to respond to the German champions’ new contract offer and is ready to exit the club.

As per The Athletic, Liverpool are in the market for defensive reinforcements as new manager Arne Slot looks to rebuild the squad. The club has parted ways with Joel Matip, with the ex-Cameroon international set to leave Anfield upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month. Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger as he turns 33 next month, while Ibrahima Konate’s patchy injury record means Arne Slot cannot rely upon him to be a regular starter next season.

In addition, with Jarell Quansah only completing his breakout campaign and Joe Gomez largely operating as a full-back this past term, it behoves the Merseyside heavyweights to invest in a quality defensive prospect. Kossounou, in that regard, fits the bill perfectly at Liverpool.

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The 23-year-old’s stock has risen this year after winning a domestic double with Bayer and also tasting Africa Cup of Nations success with Ivory Coast back in February, so he would immediately bring the winning mentality to the Liverpool squad if a move happens. The Abidjan-born defender is still young and developing, which would make him a worthy long-term acquisition for the Reds to consider.

Valued at around the €45m mark, we must do everything possible to beat Man United to Kossounou’s signature as he possesses the qualities to be a smashing hit in the Premier League.