Breaking News‼️€45m centre-back ‘on the verge’ of Premier League move – Newcastle or Crystal Palace?
Reports from Germany are stirring the football world, as Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated centre-back, Odilon Kossounou, appears to be on the brink of a significant transfer to the Premier League. The deal, reportedly valued at around €45 million, is said to be in advanced stages, though the identity of the purchasing club remains shrouded in mystery. This speculation comes courtesy of the reputable German sports outlet, Kicker, which has revealed that an offer has already been placed, setting the stage for what could be a high-profile move to England.
However, the intrigue doesn’t end there—two prominent Premier League clubs, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, have both been linked to the Ivory Coast international, adding another layer of suspense to this developing story. Kicker hints that Crystal Palace might be leading the race for Kossounou’s signature, with many signs pointing towards the South London club as they work diligently to secure a replacement for Joachim Andersen. Andersen is rumored to be nearing a £30 million move to Fulham, which would leave a significant void in Palace’s defense—a gap they hope Kossounou could fill with his strong physical presence and defensive acumen.
Newcastle United, however, is not far behind in the pursuit. The Magpies, who are actively seeking to bolster their squad in preparation for a challenging season ahead, have reportedly set their sights on Kossounou as well. The 23-year-old has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe with his commanding performances in the Bundesliga, and Newcastle’s interest reflects their ambition to reinforce their defense with a player of his caliber.
Adding further complexity to the situation is the fact that both Crystal Palace and Newcastle have previously shown interest in another Leverkusen centre-back, Edmond Tapsoba. The Burkina Faso international has been on the radar of multiple top clubs, but Bayer Leverkusen has made it clear that Tapsoba is ‘untouchable.’ The German club is determined to keep hold of him as they prepare for their return to the Champions League, making Kossounou the more realistic target for Premier League sides.
The potential acquisition of Kossounou by Crystal Palace could also have wider implications for their transfer strategy. Should Palace successfully land the Ivorian defender, it could signal the end of their pursuit of Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target for several clubs, including those in the Premier League. Guehi, a former Chelsea academy product, has been tipped for a move away from Selhurst Park, and Kossounou’s arrival could expedite this process, freeing up Palace to focus on other areas of their squad.
As the transfer window heats up, this developing story underscores the fierce competition among Premier League clubs to secure top defensive talent. Both Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are eager to strengthen their backlines, and Kossounou’s potential move could be a pivotal moment in the summer transfer market. Whether the Ivorian ends up in South London or Tyneside, his signing would represent a significant investment and a statement of intent by whichever club secures his services.
In the coming days, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on whether Crystal Palace can fend off Newcastle’s interest and complete the deal. The implications of such a transfer would resonate not only within the respective clubs but also across the league, as other teams watch closely to see how these moves will shape the upcoming season. For now, all eyes remain on Kossounou and the unfolding drama, as fans and pundits alike await the final outcome of this intriguing transfer saga.