Journalist: Liverpool ‘Reach Full Agreement’ to Sell €30m Star | OneFootball

Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen: Liverpool’s Youth Exodus Continues

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen have reached a full agreement over the permanent transfer of Jarell Quansah, in a deal worth €30 million plus add-ons. According to Florian Plettenberg, the 22-year-old defender will sign a contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2030, with a medical scheduled for next week. The deal is considered “done” and signals yet another major development in Liverpool’s squad transition under Arne Slot.

Strategic Move from Leverkusen

Leverkusen had identified Quansah as their primary replacement for Jonathan Tah, whose likely departure had created a vacancy in Erik Ten Hag’s back line. That clarity of vision, and swift movement in the market, allowed them to close the deal quickly and decisively. Quansah, who was reportedly on Leverkusen’s radar since May, is seen as a long-term asset capable of growing into a central role at the BayArena.

What Liverpool Lose in Quansah

For Liverpool, this marks the departure of a homegrown talent who made significant strides last season. Quansah broke into the first team during an injury-hit campaign and made over 20 appearances across competitions. His composure and defensive maturity impressed both fans and pundits, drawing comparisons to some of Liverpool’s more seasoned defenders.

While not a guaranteed starter, Quansah provided depth and showed flashes of a future Anfield mainstay. His sale, reportedly at €30 million with additional clauses, represents strong business, yet might leave some supporters questioning the decision to cash in so early.

Photo: IMAGO

Arne Slot’s Defensive Vision

Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool saw the club reclaim the Premier League title, but squad evolution remains high on the agenda. With question marks over Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term fitness, the decision to allow Quansah to leave will likely be followed by an incoming centre-back.

Liverpool’s recruitment team is believed to be working on multiple defensive profiles, including a left-footed centre-back to complement Virgil van Dijk and Jarell Quansah’s now-vacant role as a right-sided option. Slot appears focused on players who suit a more progressive, ball-dominant style. Quansah’s departure gives the club both space in the squad and funds to act swiftly in the market.

Quansah’s Future in Germany

Moving to a club managed by Xabi Alonso, Quansah will join a side that plays progressive, high-intensity football, which could help elevate his tactical development. Bayer Leverkusen offer Champions League football, a title-winning dressing room and a platform for regular minutes in a top-five league.

Quansah’s exit may sting for Liverpool, but from his perspective, this is a move that ticks all the right boxes: top-level exposure, a clear path to starting football and an environment conducive to further growth.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool fans, Quansah’s sale feels like another example of the club’s increasing willingness to part with promising academy products at premium value. After watching the 22-year-old grow throughout last season, especially with his calm performances in high-pressure fixtures, it is hard not to feel a tinge of disappointment.

Supporters will remember his standout performance against Tottenham at Anfield and his resilience in cup ties where his defensive contributions often went unnoticed by the wider media. He wasn’t flashy, but he was dependable.

There’s logic to the move, of course. €30 million for a player who, realistically, would have remained fourth-choice next season is undeniably strong business. Yet emotionally, fans hoped to see another Scouser develop into a mainstay.

From a tactical standpoint, Slot may favour a more ball-playing defender with pace on the recovery. If the funds help bring in someone like Gonçalo Inácio or Leny Yoro, then there’s method in the decision. But unless a new name comes through the door this summer, it’s a big gamble to offload a player who had already adapted to the system and Premier League tempo.

Time will tell if this is a smart pivot or a regrettable loss.