Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off a domestic double, may be looking to make some last-minute changes to their defense. Sporting director Simon Rolfes hinted that the squad could see one or two adjustments before the transfer window closes, despite the club’s desire to retain its core players.

Rumors are swirling that Leverkusen might reshuffle their defensive lineup. Reports suggest that English club Crystal Palace has expressed interest in Ivorian center-back Odilon Kossounou, with a potential transfer fee of around €45 million. A deal could be imminent.

Kossounou, who is under contract until 2026, is a key part of Leverkusen’s plans, according to Rolfes. In an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de, the sporting director addressed the speculation surrounding the player's future.

“We're planning with Odilon, no doubt,” Rolfes said. “He showed last season that he’s a player with a lot of quality and potential.”

However, Rolfes acknowledged that the final days of the transfer window can be hectic, with players often re-evaluating their situations. “In the last days of the transfer period, there’s always a bit of a rush. Players start thinking: How much playing time will I get? What's my future here? And sometimes that leads to thoughts of a possible move,” he explained.

Whether Kossounou will be part of Leverkusen’s squad when the window closes remains uncertain. “I can’t say for sure,” Rolfes admitted. “But fundamentally, he’s a player we want to keep. Still, it’s possible we might see one or two changes in our squad.”

Leverkusen is reportedly already eyeing a potential replacement. The club has been linked with Sepp van den Berg of Liverpool, with a proposed fee of €23 million. However, they may face competition from Brentford, who are also said to be interested in the Dutch defender.