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Jarell Quansah left Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen
Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen
Jarell Quansah is being linked with a return to Liverpool amid talk concerning a buy-back clause(Image: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Jarell Quansah's buy-back situation:
Quansah rumours: Having allowed academy graduate Jarell Quansah to join Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Liverpool are now keeping a very close eye on the youngster's stellar progress in Germany. His impressive performances in the Bundesliga have sparked serious discussions behind the scenes about bringing the England defender back to Anfield ahead of schedule.
Buy-back clause: Fortunately, the Anfield hierarchy protected themselves during initial negotiations by inserting a hefty £70million buy-back option into the centre-back's contract. This clever bit of business ensures the Reds retain ultimate control over the player's destiny despite losing him to the German outfit.
Price to decrease: The major catch for the recruitment team is that this specific clause will reduce in next year's summer transfer window. According to the agreed terms, Liverpool will only have to pay £52m to re-sign the player if they wait until 2027.
First worry: This waiting game complicates matters immensely given the news that Ibrahima Konate is set to walk away from the club for absolutely nothing at the end of June. Protracted talks over a potential contract extension completely collapsed after both parties reportedly failed to find common ground regarding the Frenchman's salary expectations.
Konate void: Losing a player of Konate's calibre on a free transfer is a bitter pill to swallow after his successful five-year stint on Merseyside. His imminent exit leaves the manager with a gaping hole in central defence that desperately needs filling before the new campaign kicks off.
Second worry: Adding to this defensive headache is the precarious situation surrounding club captain Virgil van Dijk, whose current deal runs down in the summer of 2027. Though the Dutchman's previous extension provided some temporary stability, the club faces a massive decision regarding their talisman's long-term future over the next 12 months.
Defence exposed: With Konate out of the picture and Van Dijk entering the final year of his tenure, Liverpool's central defensive depth looks worryingly thin. Aside from Joe Gomez, the squad is dangerously short on proven top-flight experience, meaning any failure to recruit wisely could leave them completely exposed.
New arrival: Liverpool are, however, looking forward to the arrival of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet after agreeing a £50m deal for him back in January. The Frenchman will reinforce the Reds' options but is coming off a difficult few months with injury.
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