Liverpool’s summer activity continued at its rapid pace over the weekend, as Florian Wirtz’s transfer was confirmed and Jarell Quansah edged closer to an Anfield exit.
With deals confirmed for Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Caoimhin Kelleher, Arne Slot already has a clear understanding of his squad dynamics before the team’s pre-season rendezvous in two weeks’ time.
Quansah’s deal highlights the decisiveness and speed at which Liverpool is conducting business this summer. Talks progressed quickly last week, with an announcement of his move to Bayer Leverkusen expected soon. In fact, reports claim a fee has been agreed between the clubs, which includes a buyback option. Ever eager to plant his flag on a transfer story, Fabrizio Romano has already given it the “here we go” treatment.
When a deal is finally confirmed, it should suit all parties. Liverpool is set to receive a reported fee of at least £30M ($40M) for its fourth-choice center-back, while a buyback arrangement would allow the Reds to monitor Quansah’s progress from afar, waiting to strike if he’s deemed ready to assume a senior position.
Given that Virgil van Dijk is 33, Joe Gomez cannot be relied on to play regularly, and Ibrahima Konate’s future looks uncertain, a return for Quansah in the near future seems a real possibility.
For the player, this is a no-brainer. He will continue his development at a Champions League club, unfettered by the concerns over game time. Playing abroad could help make Quansah a more rounded, experienced player. That he will play in the slower pace of the Bundesliga could also help a defender who conceded too many individual errors this season.
Jarell Quansah
Quansah is close to joining Leverkusen (Image: Getty Images)
As for Leverkusen, it will inherit a highly rated youngster to fill the void created by Jonathan Tah's exit and purchase an asset who could still be operating at Europe’s elite end in a decade’s time.
Quansah’s move adds another thread to the growing transfer web between Leverkusen and Liverpool - one shaped, perhaps unintentionally, by power brokers Simon Rolfes and Richard Hughes.
The latter has greatly enhanced his reputation at Anfield in recent months as he and Slot reshape the squad that Jurgen Klopp left behind a little over a year ago.
Quansah’s exit means that Liverpool will be forced to plug a hole in the squad for just the second time since the German’s departure. The first came when Alexander-Arnold left, leaving Liverpool short of options at right-back. The Reds moved swiftly to secure Frimpong, and the same could happen when Quansah moves on.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace FC looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and West Ham United FC at Selhurst Park
Marc Guehi could be the long-term replacement for Quansah (Image: Getty Images)
Three center-backs won’t be enough for Slot next season, and Amara Nallo - the standout youth prospect - may not be ready to step up
The solution will almost certainly be sought via the transfer market, with Marc Guehi's name seemingly on everyone’s lips.
The Crystal Palace star would certainly tick the boxes for Liverpool: Premier League-proven, accomplished at playing out from the back, and potentially a cheaper option given he has just 12 months remaining on his contract. A talented center-back, the England international would also help the Reds fulfil their homegrown criteria, an area that could be causing some concern given the departures of Alexander-Arnold, Kelleher and Quansah.
In theory, nothing should hold up this particular transfer other than price. Yet reports that Guehi is concerned about game time have dampened early optimism among Liverpool fans, who would likely see the ex-Chelsea youngster as an upgrade on Quansah.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 05: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot new head coach of Liverpool and Richard Hughes sporting director of Liverpool during thier first press conference at AXA Training Centre on July 05, 2024 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have dealt with every challenge thrown at them as they've reshaped the Liverpool squad (Image: Getty Images)
Guehi may look at the plight of the outgoing center-back, who started four league matches this term, and wonder whether he might be signing up to a similar predicament should he replace Quansah at Anfield.
Talented as he undoubtedly is, it’s hard to foresee Guehi ousting Van Dijk or Konate from the team. That problem also reportedly played a role in Dean Huijsen’s decision to join Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid this summer.
There can be few criticisms of Slot’s first year at Anfield, but his overreliance on a small cohort of players could come back to bite him in the transfer market. While the Dutchman has already indicated he will rotate more next season, should Guehi plump for Newcastle United - and a guaranteed starting spot - over Liverpool, it would be an entirely understandable choice.
That said, Liverpool does need a high-quality, reliable center-back addition. Hughes' problem now is attracting someone of sufficient quality who knows he could be signing up for a rotation role at best.
Liverpool’s sporting director has handled all issues adeptly so far, but this particular predicament could require some careful maneuvering.