Klopp keeps Odogu in Germany plans after Toulouse Ligue 1 loan

David Odogu, 20, will spend the season at Toulouse on loan from AC Milan, with Germany coach Jurgen Klopp keeping the defender in his plans despite Nigeria’s interest in securing his international future. Odogu was a World Cup and European Under-17 champion with Germany in 2023.

Klopp has placed the centre-back in an expanded group of players being monitored for the German national team. At the same time, former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami has alerted Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to Odogu’s development, with contacts made to inform Nigerian authorities that the defender is interested in representing the country.

The Toulouse agreement gives Odogu an opportunity to build senior experience in Ligue 1 after a difficult spell for regular playing time at Milan. The Italian club signed him from Wolfsburg for €7m last summer, but he made only three Bundesliga appearances before moving to Serie A. Anderlecht and Mainz were also interested in signing him during the current window.

Toulouse see Odogu as competition for Rasmus Nicolaisen on the left side of their defence, a role in which the German-born player impressed during his youth career. The move is also the first transfer between the French club and Milan under their RedBird Capital connection, with Toulouse having previously indicated that the relationship could produce further cooperation.

Odogu arrives as Toulouse attempt to recover from a 4-1 defeat away to Lens in their most recent match. Before that loss, they had gone four games unbeaten, drawing 1-1 with Rodez and 2-2 against Monaco while beating Lyon 2-1 and Strasbourg 2-1.

His first scheduled opportunity with Toulouse is a Ligue 1 home fixture against Lyon on August 22. The loan could therefore provide an immediate platform for the defender to establish himself in France while Nigeria and Germany continue to compete for his international allegiance.