Bundesliga side considering move to sign Liverpool defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Defender Quansah Emerges as Target for Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen explore new options after Tah departure

Bayer Leverkusen have placed Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah on a shortlist of defensive reinforcements, following the exit of Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich and uncertainty surrounding Odilon Kossounou’s future. As reported by The Athletic, Quansah is one of several names under consideration, with Mario Hermoso also departing after a loan spell.

Quansah, 22, is valued by Liverpool at over £40 million. Leverkusen’s interest is understood to be entirely separate from the ongoing negotiations for Florian Wirtz, who is expected to move to Anfield in a record deal.

Liverpool yet to decide on Quansah’s future

Despite limited minutes last season, Liverpool have no immediate plans to sell Quansah. He remains a highly regarded academy graduate, with the club noting his rise during the 2023–24 campaign when he displaced Ibrahima Konaté and partnered Virgil van Dijk in several key fixtures.

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That said, The Athletic notes: “Liverpool rate him highly and have not been looking to sell this summer, although the interest from Leverkusen may force them into a rethink.”

Premier League interest not new

Quansah is not new to the rumour mill. Newcastle United had a proposal rejected last year and also inquired about Joe Gomez, ultimately signing neither. This interest underlines Quansah’s reputation as a ball-playing centre-back with leadership qualities and strong tactical discipline.

His 25 appearances in all competitions last season include just five Premier League starts. After being replaced at half time in Arne Slot’s league debut at Ipswich, he found game time hard to come by.

International ambitions and uncertain pathway

Despite being called into Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad in April, Quansah did not feature and was omitted from the June selection. For a player once considered among the brightest talents in the club’s academy, the challenge now is establishing consistent top-flight minutes.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This move may raise more concern than intrigue for the Liverpool Faithful. While the interest in Quansah signals his potential, letting him leave at this stage could feel premature, particularly with Van Dijk entering the twilight of his career and Konaté still prone to injury spells.

Quansah has proven he can handle high-pressure matches, including that crucial run-in during the latter stages of the 2023–24 season. To shift him now, especially with a new manager like Arne Slot still adapting to the squad, could suggest short-term thinking when long-term depth is what’s needed.

Yes, £40 million is a significant sum for a defender who isn’t a regular starter, but with the club investing heavily in youth development, fans would be justified in asking whether Liverpool should persevere rather than cash in.

It’s also worth questioning whether his lack of minutes was down to form or simply managerial preference in the post-Klopp transition. In any case, sceptics will see selling Quansah not as savvy business but as a potential regret in the making.