AliousReports suggest Crystal Palace will need to set a new transfer record to acquire Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou.
The club is seeking a center-back, possibly to replace Marc Guehi, who’s been linked with a move to Newcastle United after his strong performances for Crystal Palace and England.
Kossounou has attracted attention following his contributions to Leverkusen’s successful season, which saw them win both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal while remaining undefeated domestically.
The 23-year-old Ivorian international played 34 matches across all competitions, demonstrating solid defensive statistics in league play.
While Liverpool previously showed interest in Kossounou, their pursuit seems to have waned. Crystal Palace has emerged as the leading contender, encouraged by Leverkusen’s apparent willingness to sell.
However, German media reports that Leverkusen may demand between €40-45 million (£34.3m-£38.6m) for the player.
This potential fee would surpass Crystal Palace’s current transfer record of £27 million (plus £5 million in add-ons) set when they signed Christian Benteke in 2016.
It would also significantly exceed their recent £18 million acquisition of Adam Wharton, which stands as their largest transfer expenditure in the past year.
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