After a busy start to the summer transfer window, Liverpool are beginning to turn their attention to getting a few players off the books.
The Reds have spent an inordinate amount so far, splashing heavily to sign Jeremie Frimpong and, in particular, Florian Wirtz.
As supporters will be more than aware by now, big spending tends to be followed by a sales drive at Liverpool. They do not like to spend more than they earn if they can help it.
This has led to a slightly bizarre situation where many of the Liverpool squad are actively up for sale. Having already moved Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold on, the Reds are not stopping there, with Jarell Quansah becoming the latest to say his goodbyes.
Liverpool agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Quansah on Sunday which will see the centre-back move to the Bundesliga.
Intriguingly, it was reported that the Reds have a buy-back clause on Quansah inserted into the deal. And, after breaking that news on Sunday, journalist Fabrizio Romano provided more information on the details of the clause.
Jarell Quansah warms up ahead of England's game against Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James' Park.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Richard Hughes keen to ‘keep control’ of Jarell Quansah
Quansah’s exit means Liverpool badly need to enter the market for a new centre-back in the coming weeks.
There are three academy products Liverpool could promote, but Arne Slot would probably be wiser to get another signing through the door instead.
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Further down the line, one of those additions could be a return for Quansah, with Romano outlining just how keen sporting director Richard Hughes was to ensure Liverpool did not lose control of the 22-year-old’s future.
“These two clubs have an excellent relationship, doing plenty of business together this summer,” the reporter told his YouTube channel on Sunday evening. “They have agreed a deal for Jarell Quansah worth £30m plus £5m in add-ons.”
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“There will be also a buy-back clause into the contract of Quansah at Bayer Leverkusen. What does it mean? That Bayer Leverkusen accept the fact that Liverpool can have control of the player in the future if in two, three, four, five years Liverpool decide to return and bring the player back to Anfield, they can do it for a specific price. No need for negotiations, it will be automatic.
“The price is an important price,” Romano adds. “At the moment it is still undisclosed but for sure it’s an important price but still an opportunity for Liverpool to keep the player under their control for the future. .
“So, again, an important move from Richard Hughes who really wanted to keep control of the player.”
Will Liverpool sign a new centre-back?
Hughes has played a blinder here. While the fee in itself is very good for a player who appeared to regress last season, the presence of a buy-back means there is little risk of Liverpool making a mistake with Quansah.
There is every chance the England U21 international heads to Germany and regains the form he showed under Jurgen Klopp in 2023/24.
Age Contract Until
Virgil van Dijk 33 2027
Ibrahima Konate 26 2026
Joe Gomez 28 2027
Liverpool’s remaining centre-back options
If that happens, then expect Liverpool to be back at the table for Quansah in a couple of years.
In the meantime, however, the Reds need to make sure they are not left short at the back next season. A replacement for Quansah has to be found.
With the Liverpool academy graduate’s future now sorted, Hughes will likely step up the search to sign their first centre-back since 2021.