Arne Slot has already explained what Jarell Quansah needs to add to his game if he is set to play regularly next season at Liverpool.
After impressing in Jurgen Klopp ’s swansong campaign at Anfield, Quansah struggled to make an impact under Slot. The defender played just 13 Premier League games, starting only five.
After playing in the opening game of the season at center-back against Ipswich Town, Slot didn’t hand him a league start in his preferred position until the title was wrapped up.
Quansah played more regularly in the cup competitions, but those appearances were often blighted by individual errors. Speaking at the end of the 2024/25 season, Slot said the 22-year-old must eliminate those mistakes if he is to make the “next step” in his Liverpool career.
“He played a really good game,” the Liverpool head coach said, reflecting on the defeat to Chelsea in which Quansah played well but gave away a late penalty.
“I think maybe the last step he has to make - and he already made that - but then on a consistent level is to not be involved in that moment what happened in the last minute [giving away a penalty].
Jarell Quansah is said to be in Arne Slot's plans for next season
Quansah has struggled to hold down a place in the team under Slot. (Image: Getty Images)
"He has all the qualities and he is already shown that to me - but also to you - to play for this club. But the biggest part of us winning the league is of course consistency and that is the most difficult part for a younger player to get that as well. Some, like Lamine Yamal, it's not a really big problem for him to find consistency.
"But Jarell, I think he developed really well throughout the whole season and the next step is for him to not be involved in a moment like this in the last minutes, which had no impact on the result. It would've been nice for him if it wouldn't have happened because then probably everyone would've been much more positive about his performance.
"Jarell is fast, strong and comfortable on the ball. He has every ingredient a center-back for this club should have. Now the last parts should be consistency in his performances."
Florian Wirtz.
Some of the Wirtz money could be spent by Leverkusen on Quansah (Image: Photo by Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Those comments make for particularly interesting reading amid reports claiming Quansah is a target for Bayer Leverkusen.
The Athletic states the German side is “considering” an approach for the out-of-favor defender.
The academy graduate is said to be valued at £40 million ($54M), which would represent Leverkusen’s record signing if the asking price is matched. Quansah signed a long-term contract in October last year and was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad in April.