Report: Liverpool Eyeing Bayer Leverkusen Star in Potential £40m Move | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou in Strategic Defensive Shuffle

Liverpool’s quest to bolster their defence takes a sharp turn as they target Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou. The Merseyside club, following Joel Matip’s exit, are seemingly keen to strengthen the right side of their backline, shifting focus from last summer’s left-centred discussions.

Leverkusen’s Stance on Kossounou’s Transfer

According to CaughtOffside, Leverkusen, fresh off their first-ever Bundesliga triumph, is open to discussions regarding Kossounou’s future. Despite the Ivorian defender’s contract running until 2026, his hesitance to commit to an extension has positioned the club to entertain offers within the €40 to €45 million range. Liverpool, proactive in their approach, has already initiated enquiries about securing the 23-year-old’s services.

Liverpool’s Defensive Dynamics and Transfer Implications

Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield heralds a new era, and while the team has not made any new additions yet, reinforcing the central defence remains a priority. Kossounou, versatile enough to operate as a right-sided central defender or right-back, appears an ideal fit. However, Liverpool might need to streamline their squad to accommodate him, with players like Nathaniel Phillips and Sepp van den Berg potentially on their way out to make financial room for new recruits.

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Premier League Interest Heats Up

The race for Kossounou is not a solo pursuit by Liverpool. Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe’s guidance, are also showing a keen interest. Despite ongoing negotiations to extend the contracts of their current defenders, Newcastle’s management is prepared to explore opportunities to bring Kossounou to St. James’ Park, underscoring the high regard in which he is held following his pivotal role in Leverkusen’s undefeated league campaign.

Kossounou’s Impact at Leverkusen and Beyond

Kossounou’s contribution to Leverkusen’s historic season cannot be overstated. With 22 appearances, he was crucial in their Bundesliga victory and instrumental in their impressive runs in both the DFB-Pokal and Europa League finals. His potential move to the Premier League is anticipated as a significant step up, offering him new challenges and opportunities to further his career in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index: Odilon Kossounou’s Impact Quantified

Unpacking Kossounou’s Defensive Prowess

Odilon Kossounou, the towering centre-back from Bayer Leverkusen, shows a diverse skill set in the latest performance data visualised by Fbref. His percentile ranks among centre-backs highlight a player who is not just another cog in the defensive wheel but a standout performer in several key areas. Notably, Kossounou excels in ‘Passes Attempted’ and ‘Pass Completion %’, where he scores 96th and 98th percentiles respectively. This indicates an exceptional ability to not only initiate plays from the back but to do so with remarkable accuracy.

Attacking Contributions and Possession Metrics

While traditionally not the primary role for a centre-back, Kossounou also impresses with his attacking metrics. His percentile for ‘Shot-Creating Actions’ sits at a lofty 81, a testament to his capability to contribute beyond mere defensive duties. Additionally, his rankings in ‘Progressive Passes’ and ‘Progressive Carries’—both in the 99th percentile—demonstrate an aggressive, forward-thinking approach to his playstyle, enabling his team to transition smoothly from defence to attack.

Aerial and Tackle Efficiency

Further dissecting Kossounou’s chart, we see his defensive metrics solidify his role as a crucial asset. His ‘% of Aerials Won’ and ‘% of Dribblers Tackled’ rank him in the 59th and 48th percentiles respectively, suggesting a reliable presence in one-on-one situations. Although these numbers might not appear as high as his possession stats, they are still significant, especially when combined with his ability to block and clear threats, as evidenced by his performance in ‘Blocks’ and ‘Clearances’.

This data snapshot from Fbref offers a clear insight into why Liverpool and other Premier League clubs might be eyeing Kossounou. His statistical output presents him not just as a traditional defender, but as a modern centre-back capable of influencing the game across multiple dimensions.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The buzz around Odilon Kossounou potentially donning the red of Liverpool is electrifying for any Liverpool supporter. The thought of a young, dynamic defender joining the ranks at Anfield is incredibly exciting. Kossounou, with his versatility and proven track record in Germany’s top flight, embodies the type of player that can thrive under Arne Slot’s guidance.

Imagine the stability he could bring to our backline, not just filling the gap left by Matip but offering additional cover across the defensive line. His performances in the Bundesliga, where he played a key role in an undefeated season, speak volumes of his ability and potential. For Liverpool, acquiring a player of his calibre could be a statement of intent, signalling our ambition not just to compete, but to dominate both domestically and in Europe.

This move, if it materialises, could be a game-changer. It’s exactly the kind of ambitious signing that can invigorate the squad and fanbase alike, propelling us towards a future filled with promise and success. Here’s hoping the deal goes through, and we see Kossounou making massive strides on the Anfield turf.