One in one out: Liverpool want to replace Bayern Leverkusen-bound Jarell Quansah with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi
Leverkusen have leaked several stars this summer since it was announced that manager Xabi Alonso was headed to Real Madrid, with the Bundesliga side’s losses including the likes of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, both of whom departed Germany last month in favour of Merseyside.
But the club - which finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and appointed ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as their new head coach in May - expressed in a statement on Wednesday that they were “delighted” to bring in “one of England’s most promising centre-backs” for a deal reportedly worth up to £35 million, plus a potential £5m in add-ons.
“He's quick, agile and a good footballer,” Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, continued.
The 22-year-old came up through Liverpool’s academy before making his senior debut in the 2023-24 season under Jurgen Klopp. He went on to make 58 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, but fell down Arne Slot’s pecking order en route to last season’s league title.
Quansah was, however, part of the England squad which retained their Under-21 Euros crown last week, with Liverpool likely viewing the fee recouped as good business for an academy product.
And with the deal for his departure wrapped up, plus lingering uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future past next season and Joe Gomez’s frequent injury woes, Slot & Co. have set their sights on securing the services of Palace centre-back Guehi.
The player, who turns 25 this month, is said to be keen on a move to Anfield to be Virgil van Dijk’s potential new central defensive running mate and is reportedly unwilling to sign an extension of his current deal with the Eagles, which expires in summer 2026.
Read More
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make Rodrygo move; Chelsea battle rivals
Child killer nurse Lucy Letby could face more charges
Wirtz, Cunha and every major deal of summer transfer window so far
The Standard Guide to Barbados 2025 – where to eat, drink and explore
Oliver Glasner’s side are reluctant to lose their defensive stalwart, who has been at Selhurst Park since 2021, but could be close to a deal for Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to reports from Portugal on Tuesday.
That potential arrival, and a “significant” big-money offer that Liverpool are thought to be cooking up, may sweeten the deal and persuade Palace to let Guehi go at the right price.