Atalanta are reportedly seeking to renegotiate the terms of Odilon Kossounou’s permanent transfer from Bayer Leverkusen following a season disrupted by injury setbacks.
The Ivorian international, who joined the Serie A outfit on loan, has featured in just 17 league matches for Atalanta during the current campaign.
While his time on the pitch has been limited, the Italian club remains convinced of the 24-year-old defender’s long-term value.
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Atalanta are eager to secure Kossounou’s services on a permanent basis.
However, the club is pushing for a reduced fee from the original €25 million option included in the loan agreement.
Kossounou’s season has been shaped as much by promise as by physical setbacks.
Despite the relatively low number of appearances, Atalanta officials are understood to be impressed by his performances when fit.
The coaching staff has expressed confidence in his defensive qualities and believes he can play a key role in the squad moving forward.
Yet the financial realities of the situation have prompted a reassessment.
Atalanta’s management is using the player’s injury record this season as a bargaining chip in discussions with Bayer Leverkusen.
They argue that the defender’s absence for a significant portion of the campaign justifies a lower fee than originally agreed.
While the German club is open to negotiations, no formal agreement has yet been reached.
Bayer Leverkusen are said to value Kossounou highly, but they may be willing to compromise in order to finalise a transfer, especially if the player is not part of their future plans.
Kossounou, who joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 from Club Brugge, has shown flashes of his defensive prowess in both the Bundesliga and Serie A.
Known for his athleticism, positional awareness and ability to read the game, the Ivorian has long been considered a rising talent in European football.
Atalanta’s decision now hinges on balancing that potential with his fitness record.
The next few weeks could prove decisive, as negotiations are expected to intensify ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kossounou’s future remains open, but both clubs appear keen to reach a resolution — one that would allow the defender to continue his journey in Italy while offering Atalanta a deal that reflects the realities of a disrupted debut season.
