Jarell Quansah has admitted it was “really tough” for him to leave Liverpool, and sees his place at the World Cup as a ‘reward’ for his decision to do so.
The ex-Liverpool centre-back left his boyhood club last summer for a fee of £30 million, as he moved to Bayer Leverkusen in search of regular football.
This was a bold move by the now 23-year-old, but it has so far paid off, with the Warrington-born defender earning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Quansah told reporters at England’s training base: “Last summer it was a really tough decision, to be honest, to walk away from my boyhood club — a club I’ve been at all my life.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Thursday, October 12, 2023: England's Jarell Quansah during the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group F game between England and Serbia at the City Ground. England won 9-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But I just knew it was the best thing that I needed for my career, to be playing week in, week out.
“People who know me know I back myself no matter what and I feel like I’m capable of playing at the highest level, and I wanted to show that this season.
“To be rewarded being selected for the World Cup is an absolute honour and it’s all down to hard work and I’ve put in over the past 12 months.”
Quansah ended up playing 44 times for Leverkusen this season, including 11 appearances in the Champions League before they were knocked out by Arsenal in the round of 16.
He added: “It was massive for me playing in the Champions League.
“We played top teams in England and we played well, so it was always good to play well in those games and you can never take those nights for granted – they’re so special.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Unfortunately, we won’t be doing that next season, but there are always opportunities in another environment to show yourself.
“But like I say, I just need games. I needed experience and I still need games and experience to keep going.”
Quansah is not expected to start for England – Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and John Stones are likely to be Tuchel’s preferred options – but his inclusion in a squad that does not feature Harry Maguire is a testament to his progression.
“I’m just working hard every day, working hard each game,” Quansah continued.
“I feel like with every game I play, I’m getting better. I’m only young, so as long as I keep my head down, I keep grafting away, I know I’m going to be in a good place.
“And it’s just sticking to what I know and sticking to the goals that I’ve set myself, and hopefully I can achieve everything I want.”
Jarell Quansah could return to Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's Jarell Quansah with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Though Quansah left Liverpool last summer, there is a chance we could see him back at Anfield in the future thanks to the clauses inserted into his Leverkusen contract.
As part of his move, Liverpool agreed a buy-back clause which can see him rejoin for €80 million (£69.3m) this year or for €60 million (£52m) in 2027.
But the Reds will not be activating their option this summer, with *BILD*‘s reliable Leverkusen source Axel Hesse ruling out a move for the centre-back.
Quansah, who was called up to England’s World Cup squad, is instead “expected” to stay at Leverkusen to develop further and “then join Liverpool in 2027 as a key player, not as a squad player.”
Liverpool would then be able to buy Quansah back for £52m, £21 million more than they sold him for, and a figure similar to the one they agreed in advance with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet.
Jarell Quansah Buy-Back Clause Details
2026 Fee €80 million (£69.2m)
2027 Fee €65 million (£56.2m)
Status Personal terms & salary pre-agreed
Current Age 23 (Born: Jan 29, 2003)
Leverkusen Contract Expires June 30, 2030