Odilon Kossounou has officially completed a €25 million transfer to Atalanta, with the Italian club activating their purchase option following the Ivorian defender’s loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Serie A side, who secured third place in the 2024/25 campaign and a Champions League berth, confirmed the acquisition in a statement released on Friday.
Kossounou, 24, joined Atalanta on loan last summer after a historic double-winning season with Leverkusen and now becomes a permanent member of Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
“Atalanta BC announces that it has definitively acquired the registration rights of Odilon Kossounou from Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball,” the club declared in its announcement.
The Ivorian international featured 23 times across all competitions for Atalanta last season.
Despite suffering a leg injury in October followed by a torn adductor muscle that sidelined him between January and April, Kossounou impressed with his composure, physicality, and tactical discipline during his appearances in Bergamo.
Kossounou, who lifted the Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d’Ivoire earlier in the year, now looks set to play a key role in Atalanta’s return to Europe’s top competition.
The central defender has accumulated 25 international caps and continues to be a pillar in the Elephants’ defensive line.
Prior to his time in Italy, the former Hammarby and Club Brugge player spent three seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, amassing 102 appearances.
His tenure at the German club saw him contribute to one of their most memorable seasons, which included winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.
OK… OK… 🥁🥁🥁@OdilonKossounou è al 100% atalantino! 🤩✍️
Atalanta BC comunica di aver acquisito a titolo definitivo dal Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball il diritto alle prestazioni sportive di Odilon Kossounou.#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) June 13, 2025
Leverkusen paid tribute to Kossounou just moments before Atalanta confirmed the deal.
In a heartfelt message shared across their official channels, the club wrote: “Thank you Odi! We wish you the best and thank you for all your efforts.”
His time at Leverkusen culminated with a Europa League final appearance—ironically against his current team—where Atalanta triumphed 3-0.
That defeat marked the end of his European campaign with the German champions and set the stage for his switch to Italy.
Now permanently in Bergamo, Kossounou’s focus shifts to helping Atalanta build on their domestic success and make an impact in next season’s Champions League.
