Odilon Kossounou Joins Atalanta on Loan

Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou has joined Atalanta on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, with an option to buy for €25 million ($28 million) at the end of the season. Kossounou, who played a key role in helping his national team win the Africa Cup of Nations and Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title, is expected to bring additional depth to Atalanta's defense. The loan deal includes a fee of €5.5 million ($6 million) for Leverkusen. In response, Leverkusen has signed Nordi Mukiele on loan from Paris Saint-Germain to fill Kossounou's role. Kossounou's transfer follows a flurry of signings at Atalanta, marking him as their 11th addition this summer. The deal highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market, as Kossounou was also sought by several Premier League clubs.