Liverpool could still re-sign Jarell Quansah in 2027 despite talks over a move to Arsenal, with the champions now completing a deal for Ezri Konsa instead.
Arsenal made contact with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible deal for Quansah earlier in August, as Mikel Arteta pushed for a new defensive signing.
But The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports that the Gunners have now finalised the £55 million signing of Aston Villa captain Konsa.
Konsa has signed a four-year contract and will join Arteta’s squad as initial cover for the injured William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
How Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa deal could impact Liverpool
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah after 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)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah after 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)
How that impacts Liverpool is that their option to re-sign Quansah will still be active next summer, with the 23-year-old set to stay at Leverkusen for another season.
Though the Reds passed up on the opportunity to bring their academy graduate back for €70 million (£60m), they could now do so for a reduced fee of €60 million (£51.4m) in 2027.
Whether they will do so remains to be seen, and much could depend on a decision over Virgil van Dijk‘s future along with progress made by the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
If Van Dijk were to leave on the expiry of his current deal next summer – as is almost certain for Joe Gomez, whose terms also run out in 2027 – Quansah could be viewed as an ideal addition.
Liverpool players pose with the trophy after winning the premier league.
Liverpool players pose with the trophy after winning the premier league.
With terms already set out with Leverkusen and a contract provisionally agreed with the player himself, it could provide a low-fuss reinforcement to Iraola’s back line.
That was seemingly the plan when Liverpool agreed to sell Quansah a year ago, with a hope that he continues his progress as a first-choice starter in Germany before returning as an established senior centre-back.
Liverpool have, however, signed four young centre-backs since his exit, with Jacquet and Leoni already joining the first team.
There are particularly high hopes for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who will spend at least the first half of this season on loan at Levante as he bids for a UK work permit, while Mor Talla Ndiaye has also caught the eye.
Ronald Araujo has also joined on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy set at £55 million, and though the expectation is that he simply spends the season at Anfield, the stance could change if he regains top form.
Arsenal‘s decision to prioritise Konsa has at least given assurance that Quansah could still return to Merseyside, which will be a boost to Liverpool’s long-term planning.
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Wrexham AFC
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola speaks to LFCTV after a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Endrick, El Mala collage
Endrick, El Mala collage