Liverpool Eyeing Late Move for Bundesliga Star: A Necessary Defensive Reinforcement?

As the summer transfer window draws to a close, Liverpool are reportedly exploring options to bolster their defence, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou emerging as a potential target. According to a report from TEAMTalk, the 23-year-old centre-back is on Liverpool’s shortlist as they seek to fill the void left by the departures of Joel Matip and potentially Joe Gomez. With Sepp van den Berg already moving to Brentford, Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements is becoming increasingly urgent.

Kossounou’s Appeal: A Versatile and Proven Defender

Odilon Kossounou has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, thanks to his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen. Last season, he played a crucial role in helping Xabi Alonso’s side secure both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. His versatility and composure on the ball make him an attractive option for Liverpool, especially given the uncertainty surrounding other defensive targets like Piero Hincapié.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is reportedly considering Kossounou as a more affordable alternative to Hincapié, whose price tag of £50 million may deter the Reds from pursuing him further. Kossounou’s ability to seamlessly fit into different defensive roles could provide Liverpool with the flexibility they need as they navigate a long and demanding season.

Competition for Kossounou: Time Is of the Essence

Liverpool are not the only club interested in Kossounou, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace also monitoring his situation. According to Bayer Leverkusen’s Director of Sport, Simon Rolfes, the defender’s departure is “possible” before the window closes, although the club is planning for the future with him. Rolfes noted that players often weigh their playing time and future prospects, which can lead to considerations of a transfer.

This makes the timing of Liverpool’s move critical. With Newcastle and Palace also in the mix, any delay could see Liverpool miss out on a player who could prove vital to their defensive solidity. The Reds have already faced setbacks in the transfer market this summer, and securing Kossounou could be the decisive move they need to avoid being left short at the back.

The Financial Considerations: A Smart Investment?

While Liverpool have shown interest in several defensive options, the financial aspect of a deal for Kossounou cannot be overlooked. With the high costs associated with other targets like Hincapié, Kossounou represents a potentially more economical option, allowing Liverpool to reinforce their defence without overstretching their budget.

However, the competition from other Premier League clubs could drive up the price, meaning Liverpool may need to act swiftly and decisively. The club’s willingness to invest in Kossounou will depend on their assessment of his ability to adapt to the Premier League and make an immediate impact. Given the tight margins in this season’s title race, Liverpool can ill afford to take risks with their defensive signings.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index: Odilon Kossounou’s Performance Data and Stats

Odilon Kossounou has emerged as a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s defence, and his recent performance data highlights why the 23-year-old is attracting interest from top clubs, including Liverpool. This radar chart, provided by Fbref, offers a detailed look at Kossounou’s strengths and areas for improvement when compared to other centre-backs over the past 365 days.

Possession and Passing Prowess

Kossounou’s ability on the ball is immediately evident. His possession metrics are outstanding, particularly in progressive actions. He ranks in the 99th percentile for both Progressive Passes and Progressive Carries, indicating his capability to drive play forward from the back. His Pass Completion rate of 95% places him among the elite, suggesting he is highly reliable in maintaining possession under pressure.

Defensive Solidity

In terms of defending, Kossounou shows mixed results. His Tackle and Interception numbers, along with his Aerial Duels percentage, sit around the 60th percentile, which is solid but not exceptional. However, this data might reflect Bayer Leverkusen’s system, which often sees the team dominating possession and limiting defensive actions. His ability to win duels, particularly in the air, could be an area for development, especially if he transitions to a more physically demanding league like the Premier League.

Attacking Contributions

While centre-backs aren’t primarily judged on their attacking output, Kossounou’s numbers here are notable. He ranks highly in Shot-Creating Actions, sitting in the 96th percentile, which indicates he contributes to offensive phases, likely through set-pieces or long balls. However, his Expected Assisted Goals (xAG) and Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG) are modest, reflecting his limited role in direct goal contributions.

Overall, Kossounou’s stats underline why he’s a coveted asset. His ball progression and passing abilities make him an attractive option for teams looking to build from the back, though there’s room for growth in his defensive and aerial prowess.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The prospect of signing a player like Odilon Kossounou is both exciting and essential. With Joel Matip’s departure and the uncertainty surrounding Joe Gomez’s future, it’s clear that our defence needs strengthening, and Kossounou could be a great fit. His performances for Bayer Leverkusen, especially in winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, suggest he has the quality and mentality needed to succeed at Anfield.

However, there are concerns about whether Liverpool will move quickly enough to secure his signature. We’ve seen in the past how hesitation in the transfer market can lead to missed opportunities, and with other clubs circling, time is of the essence. The competition from Newcastle and Crystal Palace only adds to the urgency. If Liverpool truly believe in Kossounou’s potential, they must act decisively to bring him in before the window shuts.

Financially, Kossounou appears to be a smart investment compared to some of the other defensive targets we’ve been linked with. However, the key will be whether he can adapt to the Premier League and contribute immediately. With the challenges of a long season ahead, including the demands of European football, depth in defence is crucial. Securing a player like Kossounou could be the difference between a strong title challenge and a season of defensive frailties.

In the end, while some may question whether Kossounou is the marquee signing Liverpool fans crave, his signing could prove to be one of the most important moves of the summer. It’s a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely if Liverpool move quickly and get the deal done.