Tottenham join Man Utd in race to sign defender perfect for Postecoglou

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Feb 2024 11:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Tottenham and Manchester United are ready to battle for Odilon Kossounou, according to German media.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender is enjoying a brilliant season. Having recently won AFCON with Ivory Coast, Kossounou is now on course to help the Werkself claim their first-ever Bundesliga title, while also still fighting for the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League.

A vital cog in Xabi Alonso's fine-tuned system, Kossounou has established himself as one of Europe's best and most unique centre-backs this term. Rather than just sitting in the backline, the Ivorian likes to go on marauding runs up the pitch where he then expertly combines with Leverkusen's attackers.

The 23-year-old has become something of a deep playmaker and this, in addition to the fact that he is a very proactive and solid defender, is making him an increasingly sought-after commodity.

Spurs battle Man Utd

Back in December, before Tottenham signed Radu Dragusin, FootballTransfers identified Kossounou as a perfect defender for Ange Postecoglou's system. More recently, in light of Man Utd links with fellow Bayer defender Edmond Tapsoba, we explained that Erik ten Hag would be better off targeting Kossounou.

It seems both coaches are heeding our call. According to BILD, Spurs and the Red Devils are both interested in the Leverkusen standout, though he won't come cheap, with the German side reportedly demanding as much as €50 million for his services.

It is unsurprising that Tottenham are eyeing Kossounou as he has got a bit of Micky van de Ven about him and Spurs will need another centre-back in the summer as they will most likely be in European competition next term. Eric Dier, having failed to impress at Bayern, could return to the club, but it is unlikely that he has a future in north London.

As for United, Ten Hag is keen to overhaul his defence in the summer and Kossounou would be a shrewd acquisition. He could also potentially be cheaper than the likes of Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio and Jean-Clair Todibo.