Despite a difficult 2024-25 season following the departure of manager Jürgen Klopp and subsequent arrival of Arne Slot as his successor, Liverpool 22-year-old club trained centre half Jarell Quansah remains a highly promising and talented young defender.
For fans, that mix made for plenty of mixed feelings when it emerged that Quansah was set to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around €40M (£35M) with add-ons.
Such a fee would be top price for a third choice centre half who needs minutes the current manager may not have the faith to give, but it’s still disappointing when a year ago Quansah was seen as the club’s future at the position and the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
News that there would be a buyback clause included in the deal, then, was a positive development. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, there are more details regarding the buyback, which is said to be set at or just above €60M (£50M).
The buyback will also take two seasons to kick in, not becoming active until the summer of 2027, ensuring Leverkusen will have Quansah for at least two seasons even if he develops well and Liverpool eventually decide to bring him back.
Potentially, then, the Reds could end up essentially paying Leverkusen €20M to develop the centre half. Still, if the move leads to a regular starting role in Germany that means Quansah gets the chance to turn into the player he looked like becoming at this time a year ago it will be hard to quibble too much.
It’s also possible the deal is tied, albeit unofficially, to Florian Wirtz’ move to Liverpool, getting Leverkusen a useful player for the present and a supplemental fee down the road while Liverpool take a lower Profit and Sustainability hit on Wirtz in the present.