Jarell Quansah has declared that he is in "a very good position to take the next step" in his career amid speculation he could depart Liverpool this summer with Bayer Leverkusen keen. The centre-back, currently on England Under-21 duty, found it challenging to secure a regular spot in the team during Arne Slot's inaugural title-winning season at Anfield.
He was chosen to start Liverpool's Premier League opener against Ipswich Town but was substituted at half-time. He didn't start another league game in his preferred centre-back role until after the title had been clinched. His appearances were mostly limited to substitute roles, starts in cup competitions, and temporary stints at right-back due to an injury crisis.
As expected, there has been speculation about Quansah's future, with recent reports linking him to a move to Bayer Leverkusen. According to The Athletic, Leverkusen are contemplating a move for the 22-year-old, who Liverpool value at approximately £40million.
When asked about his career ahead of England U21's group stage match against Slovenia on Saturday, Quansah said in Bratislava: "It's definitely developing. I'm not getting too high or too low with anything. I think I can take massive learnings from the three seasons I've had in professional football.
"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 comes with working hard and staying focused on what I can control. As for the future, it'll put me in the best stead if I just keep my head down and keep working."
Quansah is set to feature in Sunday's match against Slovenia following his appearance in Thursday's 3-1 triumph over the Czech Republic. The Liverpool defender played the entirety of the game, contributing to a win that saw fellow Red Harvey Elliott scoring the first goal and Tyler Morton joining the action from the bench.
Throughout the season, Quansah clocked up 25 appearances for Liverpool, with only 13 being starts. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were the preferred central defensive partnership for most matches, although Joe Gomez stepped in during Konate's absence for six Premier League encounters in December.
Arne Slot deployed Quansah as right-back in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in March and acknowledged the need for the player to build more "consistency" in his performance at the close of the season. Slot often mentioned his vision of the Warrington-born defender as an integral part of his long-term strategy for the team.
"He is fast, strong, good on the ball and has all the qualities, and he has already shown that, to play as a center-back for this club," Slot commented. "But the biggest part of us winning the league is consistency and that is the most difficult part for a younger player to get."
Post-title celebrations, Quansah was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in defeats against Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Last year saw him linked with a move to Newcastle, but recent reports suggest that Leverkusen is the more probable destination for the defender. Liverpool have no plans to let him go but a substantial offer could challenge this stance.