David Ornstein: Liverpool ‘Close to Agreement’ of £34m with Bayer Leverkusen for Defender | OneFootball

Quansah on the Brink as Leverkusen Close in on £34m Deal

It’s never easy watching one of your own leave. Jarell Quansah, a product of Liverpool’s esteemed academy and a player many believed would be the heart of the defence for years to come, is now edging closer to a move to Bayer Leverkusen. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, talks between the clubs are advancing rapidly with a fee just north of €40 million being discussed. No formal bid yet, but the signs are there.

In a summer where Liverpool are showing ambition in the market — having already secured Jeremie Frimpong and lined up Florian Wirtz — this feels like a twist few expected. Especially when Quansah himself appeared committed to staying and fighting for his place.

“I think I can take massive learnings from the three seasons I’ve had in professional football,” Quansah told The Athletic. “From Bristol Rovers (on loan in 2023) until now, to put perspective and look back, I’m in a very good position to take the next step.”

It’s that last part that lingers. Is the next step progression or departure?

Photo: IMAGO

Minutes Matter for a Man with Ambition

Quansah played 25 times last season but only started five league games under Arne Slot. While Liverpool lifted the Premier League title, the 22-year-old spent more time observing than influencing. For a player desperate to make the England senior squad and hungry for minutes, that’s a bitter pill.

As Gregg Evans noted in The Athletic’s analysis, “Moving to a club like Leverkusen, who will be playing in the Champions League next year and chasing domestic honours, is a good switch for Quansah.”

The opportunity to replace Jonathan Tah, who joined Bayern Munich, is there for the taking. Leverkusen offer not just game time but the right stage — Europe’s top competition — to prove he belongs in Gareth Southgate’s plans for next summer’s World Cup.

A Liverpool Path Less Travelled

Quansah’s journey has been anything but linear. From League One football with Bristol Rovers to duelling Premier League strikers at Anfield, the lad has packed plenty into his young career. There’s rawness in his game but no shortage of resilience or reading of play. At times last season, he looked more composed than those around him.

Liverpool, however, are not in the habit of standing still. With Ibrahima Konaté negotiating a new deal and Virgil van Dijk committing late last season, the centre-back picture is crowded. The club are also assessing external options, ensuring that any Quansah exit won’t leave a defensive vacuum.

Photo: IMAGO

Leverkusen’s Investment and Liverpool’s Gamble

Should the move be finalised, Quansah would become Bayer Leverkusen’s record signing, eclipsing the €32 million paid for Kerem Demirbay in 2019. That speaks volumes about their belief in him. It also highlights Liverpool’s current transfer model — selling high, reinvesting wisely, trusting the academy pipeline.

Yet for all the financial logic, there’s always the emotional pull. Quansah had the makings of a cult hero, a homegrown lad made good. Losing him before his Anfield story fully unfolds leaves a sense of unfinished business.

“From Bristol Rovers to now… I’m in a very good position,” Quansah said. It seems that position may soon lie in Germany.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this one cuts deep. Quansah isn’t just another squad player — he’s a reminder of what the academy can produce when patience and coaching align. Watching him leave now, before truly establishing himself in red, feels premature. Many supporters saw him as a long-term successor to Van Dijk, especially with his composure, aerial ability and natural leadership.

There’s also the broader issue of squad depth. With Van Dijk ageing, Konaté injury-prone and question marks over Joe Gomez’s long-term role, is letting Quansah go wise? Yes, £34 million is a tempting offer. But in a summer where margins will be fine and every department needs reinforcing, letting a top young centre-back leave could be a decision we regret.

Still, fans understand Quansah’s motivation. He needs to play, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. And if Leverkusen can offer that while competing in the Champions League, it’s hard to begrudge him the move.

Let’s hope Liverpool have a proper replacement lined up, because if Quansah shines in Germany, we’ll be left wondering what could have been.