Jarell Quansah makes his World Cup debut in England's final group game against Panama, and as the defender's stock continues to rise, Liverpool could nabe a cut-price deal to bring him back to Anfield
22:55, 27 May 2026Updated 20:41, 27 Jun 2026
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 23: Jarell Quansah #26 of England looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Jarell Quansah starts for England in its final World Cup group game against Panama(Image: Getty Images)
Jarell Quansah’s career has hit yet another high following his exit from Liverpool last year, with the defender making his World Cup debut for England on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was sold by the Reds to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could be worth up to $48 million (£35M). Since making the move to Germany, Quansah has made 43 appearances across all competitions, and earned himself a place in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
And now, heading into the final group game against Panama, Quansah's stock continues to rise, having been selected by Thomas Tuchel to make his tournament debut.
Liverpool fans will no doubt be watching on with interest to see how Quansah fares, potentially with a keen eye on him returning to the club soon.
According to a report from German outlet BILD last month, that is a prospect that has already been discussed at Liverpool. With Ibrahima Konate having now completed his move to Real Madrid, the Reds could do with find themselves a new center-back.
Andoni Iraola does have Jeremy Jacquet arriving from Rennes this summer, and Giovanni Leoni is expected to be fit in time for pre-season after his ACL injury. Still, with 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk only having a year left on his contract, and Joe Gomez having been linked with a move away, Liverpool may have to look at more defensive additions.
It won’t be looking at Quansah this year though, at least according to this report from Germany. It’s claimed that while a return for the Anfield academy graduate has been talked about, Liverpool will wait until next year to potentially make a move - when he will be cheaper to buy.
Jarell Quansah of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on before the DFB Cup Semifinal match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munchen at BayArena on April 22, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany.
Liverpool inserted a buy-back clause in Jarell Quansah's transfer to Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
The Reds inserted a buy-back clause when Quansah made the move to Leverkusen, which would have made him available for $93M (€80M) this summer. However, that clause will reportedly come down further next year, when Quansah would be available to Liverpool for $70M (€60M).
There’s more to the decision than just the price tag though, with Liverpool said to be expecting Quansah to develop further as a leader with another year at Leverkusen, before he heads back to Merseyside to challenge for a regular spot in the team.
Despite Liverpool reportedly eyeing up a return for its former defender, Quansah is happy in Germany, having admitted the move to Leverkusen helped him to enjoy his soccer again after a difficult final season at Anfield.
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"I've really loved it, to be honest. It's been refreshing for me,” Quansah said in April.
"I've started loving football again. Being able to play week in, week out against some of the best teams in the world. Showing what I'm capable of, what I can give to this team and to the fans as well. I've really enjoyed it so far, but it's not over yet. We've got an important month ahead of us.
"It's never easy moving to a different country. I think coming from the pressure of being at Liverpool, it's not easy to come away from such a big club and try to build your own career off the back of being at one place for 17 years. It's never easy, but I'm happy it's gone well so far.”
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An original version of this article was first published on May 27.