Liverpool and Real Madrid battle £52m Bundesliga defender

With Liverpool possibly set to enter a new era under Arne Slot, the Reds are looking at long term replacements for defender, and club legend, Virgil van Dijk. According to some reports, their focus is set to turn to Germany...

According to TEAMtalk and other sources, Liverpool are targeting Bayer Leverkusen's Odilon Kossounou.

The Ivorian defender has enjoyed an incredible season so far with the German side, being crowned Bundesliga champions without losing a single game. An incredible feat.

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Kossounou made 22 appearances in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, starting 21 times, according to Transfermarkt. He scored a goal in a 4-0 win over Union Berlin.

The defender began his European football career in January 2019 when he joined Swedish club Hammarby from ASEC Mimosas.

From Sweden, he moved to Belgium, where he joined Club Brugge, one of the most important football clubs in the country.

At Bruges, Kossounou became a mainstay, playing in the Champions League for the first time in his career. In total, he made 55 appearances for the Belgians, scoring one goal and providing two assists, according to Transfermarkt.

In 2021, Kossounou was transferred to Bayer Leverkusen, who paid €23 million (£19.66m/$24.97m) for his signing.

According to TEAMtalk, Bayer Leverkusen want €60 million (£52m/$65.14m) for Kossounou, but would rather keep the Ivorian defender in Germany for next season.

Liverpool are reportedly facing competition from Manchester United, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, making the Ivorian's move a difficult one.

With his excellent physical qualities and good feet, Kossounou could be a great long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, whose prime may already be behind him. Should Liverpool sign Kossounou? Let us know in the comments!

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