Liverpool Defender Quansah Emerges as Target for Bayer Leverkusen
According to reports from The Athletic, Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are considering Liverpool central defender Jarell Quansah as a potential reinforcement for their backline. This comes as they look to fill defensive gaps following Jonathan Tah`s departure to Bayern Munich and uncertainty regarding Odilon Kossounou`s situation. Mario Hermoso also recently left after a loan spell.
The 22-year-old Quansah is reportedly valued by Liverpool at more than £40 million. Sources indicate that Leverkusen`s interest in the defender is independent of any potential negotiations for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield.
Liverpool Yet to Decide on Quansah’s Future
Despite not always being a regular starter last season, Liverpool does not currently intend to sell Quansah. He is still considered a valuable product of their academy. The club acknowledges his significant progress during the 2023–24 season, noting instances where he featured ahead of Ibrahima Konaté and played alongside Virgil van Dijk in important matches.
However, The Athletic suggests that while “Liverpool rate him highly and have not been looking to sell this summer,” the specific interest from Leverkusen “may force them into a rethink.”
Premier League Interest Not New
Quansah has been linked with moves before. Last year, Newcastle United reportedly had an offer rejected and also inquired about his teammate Joe Gomez, ultimately signing neither defender. This previous interest highlights Quansah`s standing as a capable ball-playing centre-back known for leadership and tactical discipline.
He made 25 appearances across all competitions last season, but only started five times in the Premier League. After being substituted at halftime during Arne Slot`s first league match against Ipswich, opportunities for him to play consistently became less frequent.
International Ambitions and Uncertain Pathway
Although he was included in Thomas Tuchel`s initial England squad in April, Quansah did not play and was not selected for the subsequent June squad. For a player previously seen as one of the academy`s most promising talents, the current priority is securing regular playing time at the senior level.
Our View – Analysis
From the perspective of Liverpool supporters, this potential move might be more concerning than exciting. While interest in Quansah acknowledges his potential, allowing him to leave now could be seen as premature, especially considering Virgil van Dijk`s age and Ibrahima Konaté`s history of injuries.
Quansah demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly during the important final matches of the 2023–24 campaign. Transferring him at this point, especially with new manager Arne Slot still getting to know the team, might appear to be a short-sighted decision when the club requires long-term defensive options.
While £40 million represents a substantial fee for a player who hasn`t consistently started, given the club`s significant investment in youth development, fans would be right to question whether Liverpool should continue nurturing his talent rather than selling him.
Furthermore, it`s debatable whether his limited game time was due to performance issues or simply coaching choices during the transition after Jurgen Klopp`s departure. Regardless, those with reservations might view selling Quansah not as clever business, but potentially as a decision they could later regret.
