Ben Foster has voiced his concerns over Liverpool's decision to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, claiming he is 'the future' of the defensive line.
The center-back will move to the Bundesliga club in a deal that could reach $48 million, although Liverpool has secured a buyback option. Quansah had a challenging season under Arne Slot, despite Liverpool clinching the Premier League title.
He made 25 appearances across all competitions but only started once as a center-back in the league before Liverpool was crowned champions. However, Quansah's performance for England Under-21s this summer was remarkable, helping them to European Championship glory last month.
Impressed by Quansah's displays during the tournament, former Manchester United shot-stopper Foster suggested on his 'Fozcast' that Liverpool might regret letting him go. "In the final, he was brilliant," Foster said.
"Honestly, absolutely brilliant. Whenever he had any space in front of him, he would just exploit it. He's so confident and at ease with the ball at his feet, and being such a towering figure, he'd burst into open space causing havoc for the opposition."
Foster explained how Quansah's forward runs forced midfielders to cover, leading to disarray in the defensive line: "At that point, someone from the midfield has to go into there which creates a gap behind them and it's just carnage. Honestly, it's horrible.
Foster was impressed with Quansah's performances for England U21
Foster was impressed with Quansah's performances for England U21 (Image: 2025 DeFodi Images)
"He was fantastic in the game. I'm thinking, £35 million ($48 million)? If I'm Liverpool, I almost want to cancel it last second and go 'you know what, I know you might not play every game this season, but you will definitely play a big chunk of this season for us.'
"I promise you, he will, he will play a massive part. Konate obviously will not play the whole season, but I think he can fill in incredibly well.
"I think he's the future for Liverpool, well he would have been the future for Liverpool. Leverkusen will be buzzing to get him through the door."
Quansah poses in a Bayer Leverkusen shirt after completing his transfer from Liverpool
Quansah poses in a Bayer Leverkusen shirt after completing his transfer from Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
In the meantime, Liverpool is monitoring Marc Guehi as they evaluate their center-back options following Quansah's exit. While the Crystal Palace captain remains a potential target with his contract set to expire next summer, the Eagles would need to reduce their asking price for the Reds, who are currently focusing on discovering a younger center-back with high potential, to make a move.
Foster, reacting to Quansah's transfer fee, believes Guehi should cost $95 million. He speculated whether Liverpool approved the defender's departure to help fund part of their club-record deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen.
"Got to be, £70 million ($95 million)," he said of Guehi. "But if he's 21, 22 years old, you've got at least 10, 12 years to come from this lad (Quansah).
"Wirtz is costing £116 million ($158 million) it's an awful lot of money. If you can chunk a big old £35 million ($48 million), it brings it down to about £80 million-£90 million ($109-122 million). It's kind of like, 'Oh, yeah, actually...'".