Crystal Palace have officially made contact with Atalanta as newly appointed manager Pierre Sage looks to reshape the Eagles’ backline ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Following the departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea, securing a commanding, modern centre-back has become the club’s primary transfer objective. Kossounou, who starred for the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as the prime target to anchor Palace’s defense.
According to recent reports Initial discussions between Palace officials and Atalanta are will be underway this week in Bergamo. While no formal bid has been submitted, Palace are preparing to assess the Italian side’s financial demands and determine whether a deal can be reached.
Why Kossounou fits Pierre Sage’s blueprint
The pursuit of Kossounou aligns with the tactical vision brought to Selhurst Park by Pierre Sage, who arrived this summer following a French Cup-winning campaign with RC Lens.
Sage earned acclaim in Ligue 1 for implementing an aggressive, high-pressing 3-4-2-1 formation. That setup requires dynamic centre-backs who are comfortable defending in wide spaces, stepping into midfield, and initiating buildup play from the back.
Premier League
- Tactical Versatility: Kossounou’s ability to operate seamlessly as a right-sided centre-back in a back three or as a traditional full-back makes him an ideal fit for Sage’s fluid defensive structures.
- Physical Dominance & Recovery Speed: Standing at 6ft 3in, the 25-year-old possesses the athleticism and tackle success rate required to handle the intensity of Premier League transition play.
- Top-Level Experience: With title-winning experience at Bayer Leverkusen, a Serie A stint with Atalanta, and an AFCON trophy with the Ivory Coast, Kossounou brings championship pedigree to a rebuilding Eagles squad.
Negotiating with Atalanta and countering rival interest
While Palace have made initial contact, securing the Ivorian’s signature will require significant financial negotiation.
Atalanta activated their option to purchase Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen after an impressive loan spell, locking him into a contract through 2029. Although his baseline market value is estimated around €15 million, the Bergamo club are expected to hold out for a much higher fee given his long-term deal and importance to their squad.
| Detail | Status |
| Player | Odilon Kossounou (Age 25) |
| Current Club | Atalanta BC (Contracted to 2029) |
| Palace Manager | Pierre Sage (Appointed June 2026) |
| Primary Tactics | 3-4-2-1 / High-Pressing Line |
| Alternative Targets | Raphaël Le Guen (Brest), Chrislain Matsima (Augsburg) |
Palace are also keeping an eye on potential domestic competition. Newcastle United previously tracked Kossounou earlier in the year. With Newcastle still monitoring defender options, Palace are keen to formalize negotiations quickly under Sage to prevent a late bidding war.
