Back
22.07.2021Bayer 04

Bayer 04 sign Ivorian international Kossounou

Bayer 04 have signed central defender Odilon Kossounou from Belgian champions FC Brugge. The Ivory Coast international has signed a deal with Leverkusen to 30 June 2026.
crop_20210722_NB_B04_Odilon_Kossounou_14023.jpg

"I'm happy the transfer to Bayer 04 has gone through. The two years at FC Brugge were great above all, of course, because of the two league titles we won," said the 20-year-old Kossounou. "But the Bundesliga is something completely different. I want to show at Leverkusen that I am a top player at this level and that I can help the team."

Rolfes: "Odilon has everything"

Sporting director Simon Rolfes characterises the Ivorian as "extremely quick, mobile, very strong in the tackle and technically good. Odilon Kossounou has made a rapid development as a really young player in the past two years in Belgium," said Rolfes, "he still hasn't exhausted his full potential. Odilon has everything to be able to play an important role in our team in the future."

And sporting managing director Rudi Völler is impressed by the 1.91 metre tall international who has won four caps for his country so far: "We are very happy that we were able to complete this transfer. Odilon Kossounou fits in perfectly with us. A central defender with impressive dynamism and body language plus great potential in the game. He will do very well for us in the next few years."

Related News

#MCIB04 in der Youth League
U19 - 25.11.2025

6-0 defeat in the Youth League - U19s downed by Manchester City

After a goalless and at times evenly-matched first half, Bayer 04's U19s ultimately suffered a heavy defeat at Manchester City. Coach Kevin Brok's depleted side - including five players who were part of the senior squad for the Champions League game in the evening - lost 6-0 on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Youth League.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #MCIB04
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Matchday news #MCIB04: First meeting with unbeaten Manchester City

The Werkself face Manchester City for the very first time on Tuesday for Matchday 5 of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21:00 CET). The hosts sit fourth in the standings and boast huge quality in attack, while Leverkusen are looking to improve their meagre record of just one win from the last 10 games away at English clubs. A key player in that regard could be Aleix Garcia, the former City midfielder who ranks highly in several passing metrics in the Champions League this season. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.

Show more
crop_20251125_JS_MCIB04_MD_0996.jpg
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Live blog: The Werkself away to Manchester City ✈️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The Werkself's next European trip takes them to the north-west of England as Kasper Hjulmand's side take on Manchester City on Tuesday, 25 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET) on Matchday 5 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. As usual, we'll take you along on the #aCROSSeurope journey and report from Manchester. All times listed are in CET.

Show more
Schwarz-Rote Woche Tag 1
Bayer 04 - 25.11.2025

Black and Red Week 2025 - Day 1: Ticket and jersey special

The annual Black and Red Week has started. Day one, Tuesday 25 November, includes a special ticket offer for Bayer 04 Club members and a special jersey offer for all Werkself fans...

Show more