Quansah’s Medical Delayed as Bayer Set to Break Defensive Transfer Record | OneFootball

Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen: £30m Deal Nearing Completion as Jonathan Tah Replacement

Leverkusen set to break defensive transfer record for Liverpool’s rising star

Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of completing a high-profile move for Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah, with the Bundesliga champions identifying the 22-year-old as the ideal long-term replacement for Jonathan Tah, who recently completed a switch to Bayern Munich.

Multiple sources have confirmed that talks between the two clubs have accelerated in recent days, with the England U21 international already giving his green light to the move. Barring any late complications, the transfer is now in its final stages.

€30m+ Fee to Smash Leverkusen’s Defensive Record

Leverkusen are expected to pay in excess of €30 million, including performance-related bonuses, which would see Quansah become the most expensive defender in the club’s history — eclipsing the €23m paid for Odilon Kossounou in 2021.

The only bigger fee Leverkusen have ever paid was the €32 million for Kerem Demirbay in 2019, a club record regardless of position. Quansah’s arrival signals a serious statement of intent from the German champions, as they prepare for a Champions League campaign under Xabi Alonso.

Medical Delayed by U21 Euros Duty

Quansah is currently on international duty with England U21s, featuring prominently at the UEFA U21 European Championship in Slovakia. He is set to start against Spain in Saturday’s quarter-final (21:00 CET), meaning any medical checks and official club duties will be postponed until next week at the earliest.

Liverpool had no pressing need to sell the young defender — who signed a long-term contract running until 2029 — but Leverkusen’s offer, combined with Quansah’s desire for regular first-team football at a top European club, proved decisive.

Quansah: A Modern, Multi-Faceted Centre-Back

A product of Liverpool’s academy, Quansah impressed under Jürgen Klopp last season, making 33 appearances across all competitions and showcasing his maturity, athleticism and ball-playing ability. His composure under pressure and comfort stepping into midfield have drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk in terms of style — though still early in his development.

With Xabi Alonso keen to build a flexible, high-pressing backline capable of progressing the ball from deep, Quansah’s profile fits perfectly into the Basque manager’s tactical blueprint.