Bundesliga Side Pushing to Sign £40million Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah Draws Interest from Bayer Leverkusen amid Squad Rebuild

Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah as they look to reinforce their defence this summer, according to The Athletic. The Bundesliga side, who are already in advanced talks with Liverpool over a separate deal for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, have placed Quansah on a growing list of centre-back targets.

With Jonathan Tah departing for Bayern Munich, Mario Hermoso returning to Roma after a loan spell, and Odilon Kossounou likely to remain at Atalanta following his season-long loan, Leverkusen have urgent gaps to address at the back. It is in this context that Quansah has emerged as a target. The 22-year-old is valued in excess of £40 million and would represent a significant investment by the German club.

Crucially, any pursuit of Quansah would be entirely independent of the Wirtz deal. Liverpool and Leverkusen are in final negotiations over a record-breaking Premier League move for the German international, but sources suggest there is no plan to merge the deals or include Quansah as a makeweight.

Photo: IMAGO

Quansah’s Rise and Recent Stagnation

Quansah’s emergence during the 2023–24 season was one of the standout stories of Liverpool’s campaign. He broke into the starting line-up under Jürgen Klopp, displacing Ibrahima Konaté and forming a promising partnership with Virgil van Dijk in the season’s final weeks.

His potential was underlined when he was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in April 2024, although he has yet to earn his first senior cap.

However, things have not progressed as smoothly under Arne Slot. “Quansah started the first game of the 2024–25 season under Arne Slot at Ipswich Town but was replaced by Konaté at half time and had to watch most of the campaign from the sidelines,” The Athletic reported.

Despite making 25 appearances in all competitions, only five of those were Premier League starts. As Liverpool went on to clinch the league title in Slot’s first season, Quansah found consistent minutes hard to come by.

Liverpool’s Stance and Potential Reconsideration

Liverpool’s internal valuation and the player’s development trajectory mean the club is not actively looking to sell. However, The Athletic notes that “the interest from Leverkusen may force them into a rethink.”

Newcastle United previously enquired about Quansah’s availability in 2024 but were rebuffed. They later pursued Joe Gomez, who also remained at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Quansah, a local talent from Warrington and a proud graduate of Liverpool’s academy, still has ambitions to become a regular at Anfield. His contract status and Liverpool’s centre-back depth will be key factors in determining whether the club consider a sale or loan.

Leverkusen’s Ambitions and English Connection

Leverkusen’s summer is being shaped not only by a change in personnel but also by a change in direction. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has taken the reins following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid. With Mark Flekken arriving from Brentford and Frimpong already signed by Liverpool, Leverkusen are continuing to tap into Premier League markets.

Their record signing to date remains the £27.1 million acquisition of Kerem Demirbay in 2019. A £40 million move for Quansah would be a statement of intent as they seek to rebuild with younger, high-potential players.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will view this potential interest in Jarell Quansah with mixed emotions. On one hand, the idea of selling a homegrown defender for over £40 million is good business, especially considering the club’s recent spending patterns and the need to strengthen in other areas. But on the other hand, Quansah’s breakthrough under Klopp hinted at the makings of a long-term central defensive leader.

His poise on the ball, aerial strength, and positional awareness marked him out as more than just a squad filler. Many supporters saw him as a natural successor to Joel Matip, whose departure last summer opened up space. While Van Dijk remains elite and Konaté has his moments, injuries and rotation demands mean four quality centre-backs are essential for a title-challenging side.

Leverkusen’s interest is flattering, but unless Liverpool have clear plans to replace him with someone of similar promise or promote from within again, letting Quansah go could be a gamble. His limited minutes under Slot may have frustrated fans, but they also realise that title-winning sides are built on squad depth and tactical flexibility.

Supporters will be hoping this remains just speculation, especially with Champions League football returning to Anfield next season. Letting go of a young English defender before he’s truly had a second chance to prove himself might feel like another Conor Coady situation waiting to happen.