Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen may have to wait for a decision on Jarell Quansah's next steps, amid reports of interest from the German side.
Quansah’s future has been the subject of significant uncertainty this summer following a campaign in which he played just 13 Premier League games, starting only four times. With the 22-year-old clearly Arne Slot’s fourth choice at the heart of defense, speculation has been rife about a possible exit.
Reports last indicated that Leverkusen is keen on the defender, with the Reds valuing him at £40 million ($54M). Liverpool also has no plans to sell the academy graduate, who is currently on international duty with England Under-21s.
Quansah has played 180 minutes across the Three Lions’ opening group games at the U21 Euros, with England beating Czechia and drawing against Slovenia.
Speaking ahead of the latter, Quansah was giving little away on his future.
“It’s definitely developing. I’m not getting too high or too low with anything," the Warrington-born defender said when asked about his career trajectory.
“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.
Jarell Quansah passes the ball during an England Under-21 session
Quansah is currently with the England Under-21s (Image: Getty Images)
"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."
Reports in Germany have since indicated that Leverkusen will have to wait until England’s participation in the tournament is concluded before a decision is made on Quansah’s future.
Kicker claims Quansah is the “prime candidate” to replace Jonathan Tah at Leverkusen, with the Liverpool youngster "considered an outstanding defender."
Wirtz and Frimpong
Leverkusen has played a significant role in Liverpool's summer transfer window (Image: Getty Images)
The outlet adds that reports over a €45 million ($52M/£38M) asking price is "overestimated," with Quansah more likely to be available for around €30M ($35M/£26M).
It comes amid a summer in which Liverpool and Leverkusen’s transfer plans are becoming increasingly intertwined. Jeremie Frimpong has already made the move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, and confirmation of Florian Wirtz’s arrival should follow soon.
Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move to the BayArena, while even the signing of Mark Flekken from Brentford prompted the Bees’ push for Caoimhin Kelleher.
With ex-Red Xabi Alonso leaving Leverkusen to team up with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid, the German club has played a prominent role in Liverpool-related transfer news so far this summer.