Leverkusen firm on €25m valuation for Kossounou as Atalanta delay purchase clause

Bayer Leverkusen have made it clear they will not accept less than €25 million for Odilon Kossounou, with the Bundesliga champions awaiting a decision from Atalanta over the Ivorian defender’s future.

The German club’s stance was confirmed by Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reports that Leverkusen are holding firm on the price matching Atalanta’s option to buy.

Kossounou, who hails from Côte d’Ivoire, joined Atalanta on loan and has impressed during his time in Bergamo.

The Serie A side holds an option to make the transfer permanent for €25 million but have yet to trigger the clause, leaving the player’s status uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite their interest in retaining the 24-year-old centre-back, Atalanta are reportedly exploring the possibility of negotiating a lower fee.

Leverkusen, however, have no intention of renegotiating the agreed amount and are prepared to recall Kossounou if the clause is not honoured in full.

Should Atalanta fail to meet the €25 million asking price, Leverkusen may look to offload Kossounou elsewhere.

The defender is not expected to feature in the club’s plans for next season, making a resale a likely option if no agreement is reached with the Italian club.

Kossounou has seen his stock rise with solid performances in Serie A and could attract interest from other clubs across Europe if Atalanta step aside.