Liverpool can re-sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah for about £56m next summer, but the club currently has no shortage of options at centre-back, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 23-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid, while an agreement is already in place allowing Liverpool to bring him back from Bayer Leverkusen.
Quansah joined the Bundesliga club in the summer of 2024 in a £35m deal designed to give him regular first-team experience while preserving a route back to Anfield. Liverpool included a buy-back clause and also negotiated a pre-contract agreement with the Warrington-born defender.
The prospect of consistent Champions League football helped convince Quansah to move. At Liverpool, Arne Slot had preferred a central defensive partnership of Konate and Van Dijk, leaving Quansah concerned about his opportunities.
Under the agreement, Liverpool can activate the buy-back clause until the summer of 2027, with the fee reducing each year. If the club decides to act, it would avoid lengthy negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen and would already have an understanding of the player’s wage expectations.
Liverpool have long believed Quansah can develop into an England regular. He featured in the World Cup and is continuing to progress during the current Nations League international break.
The defender, who can play at right-back as well as centre-back, explained in April why leaving Liverpool had been a relatively straightforward decision.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t say it was the hardest decision because I just want to play. I feel like I can play at the highest level, and the Bundesliga is a top league, and playing in the Champions League, playing high-level games. Sometimes you just go with your gut feeling. To be honest, you can’t overthink it too much, and you can’t listen to too many people, because after listening to a few opinions, you might be persuaded,” he said.
Quansah is gradually confirming the view of Liverpool’s academy coaches that he can become an England star. Talks have already started about a possible return next summer for a fee of £56m.
Van Dijk, 35, is entering the final year of his contract and renewal discussions have not begun. That situation could make Quansah’s return worth considering, particularly after he started at right-back in England’s 7-0 win over Croatia on Saturday.
Liverpool also have uncertainty surrounding Ronald Araujo, who joined on loan from Barcelona in August. A permanent transfer would cost £47m, a figure regarded as favourable for the 27-year-old Uruguay international. Araujo has already played at right-back under Slot and helped Liverpool keep three successive clean sheets, a run last achieved at the start of the 2024/25 season.
Quansah would offer a younger centre-back option who can cover at right-back. However, Liverpool believe their current defensive structure is stable. Jache’s performances for the France senior team have impressed Zidane, while Leny Yoro is close to returning.
The club also has high hopes for Ndukauba and Ndiaye. Ndukauba is on loan at Levante and is now eligible to apply for a UK work permit, while Joe Gomez and Van Dijk remain available alongside Araujo.
Quansah remains a potential option for Liverpool next summer, but the club’s central defensive resources are currently among their strongest for some time.
