Liverpool are now plotting a move for a £35m star, who Jurgen Klopp once described as "absolutely outstanding", and the paperwork is already in place.
Reds eyeing new defender amid Konate uncertainty
With Ibrahima Konate's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Reds were active during the January transfer window, and managed to seal a deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
However, given that Jacquet is still inexperienced, at just 20-years-old, it could make sense to bring in another centre-back at the end of the season, with journalist Pete O'Rourke revealing Konate is no closer to penning a new deal.
O'Rourke said: "Obviously, Konate’s future remains unclear with just months left on his contract and still no breakthrough in signing a new deal at Anfield.
ibrahima-konate-liverpool
"I think, obviously, his future remains unresolved, and nothing has been decided either way, it seems.
"Jacquet is seen as somebody for the future and Liverpool have spent big money on him. Liverpool ideally would love to see Konate stay and have Jacquet with him next season as well because they’re going to need four centre-halves."
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool are now plotting a move for former player Jarell Quansah, after selling the centre-back to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal last summer, and a deal could be relatively straightforward.
The Reds have a buy-back clause, which becomes active in 2027, and the paperwork for the transfer is already in place, with Arne Slot's side able to bring Quansah back for a pre-agreed fee.
Jarell Quansah
During his time on Merseyside, former manager Jurgen Klopp made it clear he is a big admirer of the one-cap England international, saying in January 2024: “Jarell has played an absolutely outstanding season.
"He is one of those players who people already knew he was a real talent. He came on against Newcastle and was outstanding in a really difficult game, and from that moment it’s all been fine its really good."
Quansah has kicked on in the Bundesliga
The 23-year-old has started to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, becoming a regular starter for Leverkusen and making 17 league appearances this season, while also putting in a solid performance against Villarreal in the Champions League last month.
Jarell Quansah's key stats vs Villarreal Number completed
Accurate passes 76/83 (92%)
Duels (won) 3 (3)
Long balls (accurate) 11 (7)
Clearances 2
Not only that, but the former Liverpool man caught the eye in the Premier League at times, with Slot saying last season: "I think he showed in his recent performances that he's outgrown being called a talent.
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Liverpool plan to make changes to Arne Slot's midfield at the end of the 2025/26 season.
"That's probably what Thomas Tuchel saw and sees as well by giving him a call-up. He did really well the last few times he had to play for us and even in a position he's not completely used to as a right full-back."
As such, Quansah could be a savvy signing for Liverpool, and it was a wise move to include a buy-back clause in the agreement with Leverkusen.