Sky Sports: Liverpool in ‘Active Talks’ with Bayer Leverkusen Over £30m Defender | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen Target Quansah in Surprise Move Amid Wirtz Discussions

Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is reportedly the subject of active negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen, according to Sky Sports News. Talks between the two clubs are said to be progressing, although any deal for the 21-year-old would be entirely separate from the ongoing conversations regarding Florian Wirtz with the defender valued at around £30million.

Leverkusen are looking to reinforce their backline with young, technically gifted players. Quansah’s emergence last season as a dependable figure in Arne Slot’s title-winning campaign has evidently caught their attention.

The report confirms, “Bayer Leverkusen are in talks to sign Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah,” adding that the negotiations are “ongoing” and that the move is not tied to any potential deal involving Wirtz.

Long-Term Commitment, Short-Term Uncertainty

Quansah only signed a new five-year contract in October 2023, a clear indication at the time of Liverpool’s faith in his long-term development. However, the Reds’ defensive structure remains in flux this summer. Joe Gomez is expected to leave amid interest from several Premier League sides, and Ibrahima Konaté has just one year remaining on his current deal, with talks over an extension still unresolved.

Despite those circumstances, Quansah’s situation is attracting significant external attention. He has made strides both domestically and internationally, even being mentioned in conversations around Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with Sky Sports noting he “has been in contention for a senior England cap in recent months.”

That form and versatility, coupled with his aerial strength and comfort on the ball, align well with Leverkusen’s system and philosophy. However, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool are willing to sanction a sale at this stage of his development.

Slot’s Defensive Puzzle

Quansah’s performances last season suggest he is more than just a squad option. Slot trusted him in multiple key fixtures, and his blend of physicality, composure and modern build-from-the-back ability fits the Dutch manager’s tactical ideals.

Letting him leave, especially in a summer where other senior defenders are already at risk of departing, would come as a major surprise. The club have spent significant time building around youth and continuity, and losing Quansah could run contrary to that strategy.

Moreover, if Liverpool were to engage in any deal, the fee would need to reflect Quansah’s upward trajectory and contract length. Given his age, potential and Premier League-winning experience, he would command a significant premium.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will be rightly slightly shocked by the idea of Jarell Quansah leaving Anfield this summer. After a breakthrough season that saw him step up in major matches and deliver with maturity beyond his years, many saw him as part of the club’s core future under Arne Slot.

This news, especially coming amid uncertainty surrounding both Joe Gomez and Ibou Konaté, could spark serious concern. If Gomez departs and Konaté’s situation remains unresolved, losing Quansah would strip the squad of depth and continuity in central defence. That’s a dangerous risk for a team looking to defend their Premier League crown and compete in the Champions League.

Supporters are likely asking: why would Liverpool even entertain the idea? The player signed a long-term contract less than a year ago and was widely viewed as a future England international. Selling him now could be seen as shortsighted unless the fee is astronomical or he is pushing for a move.

Some may also see this as a test of FSG’s ambitions. Letting Quansah go while revamping the squad could undermine the balance Slot has worked hard to establish. Unless a high-profile replacement is already lined up, it feels like an unnecessary gamble.

If Liverpool are to keep progressing under Slot, keeping promising talents like Quansah has to be non-negotiable.