R1MFD8 LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (MB Media)
Crystal Palace eyeing Odilon Kossounou move
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Odilon Kossounou from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
A report from Daily Mail claims that Crystal Palace are currently in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a move for Odilon Kossounou. They are hoping to sign the talented young central defender on a loan deal with an obligation to sign him permanently during the next summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace would have to pay £24 million to make the move permanent next summer, and it will be interesting to see if the Bundesliga club are willing to accept such a deal. The 22-year-old has done quite well for the German club and he should prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Crystal Palace.
The London club need to improve their defensive options this summer and they will need to tighten up at the back. They looked quite vulnerable defensively last season and it is one area that is in need of reinforcements.
The opportunity to play for a Premier League club could be an exciting option for the 22-year-old defender and he could be tempted to complete the transfer this summer. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs can finalise an agreement now.
Kossounou has the potential to develop into a quality Premier League defender, and regular football with Crystal Palace could accelerate his development. He will be up against top-class Premier League attackers on a weekly basis and that is likely to help him improve.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace could lose a key defender this summer, and Kossounou could be a solid replacement. Players like Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi have been linked with moves away from the club.
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It is highly unlikely that Palace will let both players leave in one window, and if they lose one of the two players, the 22-year-old Bundesliga defender could be the replacement. The £24 million move could look like a real bargain in the long run if the 22-year-old manages to adapt to English football and fulfil his potential in the coming seasons
