Odilon Kossounou has now spent two years at Atalanta and Crystal Palace are prepared to move for him.
The centre-back has now played 55 times in all competitions for the Italian side. While he featured just 19 times in Serie A last season, La Dea’s instability across the season let him down.
The defender made a mark at the World Cup though, playing all four of Cote D’Ivoire’s games.
Sport Witness have covered interest from Crystal Palace, with Newcastle United also having made enquiries.
The Eagles are now ahead in the race, but might have some work to do.
Competition rising
TuttoAtalanta report Kossounou’s profile has ‘returned with a vengeance’ for English clubs. Crystal Palace are the latest club to enquire about him, drawn by his ability to play in a back four and in a back three.
He hasn’t always impressed at Atalanta, however, his physical traits will hold up well in England. ‘Competition could widen’ for the Ivorian, and that should serve as a warning for Crystal Palace.
Atalanta don’t oppose the player’s sale. Maurizio Sarri has yet to confirm he wants to part ways with the defender, but selling him would hand La Dea a package they could use for incomings.
That’s why Atalanta are closely monitoring Kossounou’s situation, especially since other exits at the club haven’t gone through yet.
Our take: Deal could be easy
The Bergamo club paid €20m to Bayer Leverkusen to sign Kossounou permanently in 2025. Despite his current deal running until 2029, signing him may not cost much for Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old is very reliable on the ball and has also previously thrived in playing in a higher defensive line. Even when playing deeper, he has performed well – as seen at the World Cup.
The Italian club may not have been as interested in his sale if Ederson had moved to Manchester United. Since the Brazilian stayed in Bergamo, they need a sale before they make significant signings. If the Eagles hand Atalanta a capital gain, a transfer should be straightforward.
