Jarell Quansah has been in superb form for Bayer Leverkusen since joining the club from Liverpool in a record £30million deal in 2025.
Quansah has featured at both centre-back and right-back, offering valuable versatility. He is currently on international duty with England, starting the UEFA Nations League defeat to Spain before remaining an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Czechia.
His stay in Germany could be short-lived, with Real Madrid reportedly stepping up their interest. Quansah already has a strong relationship with Madrid duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham from their time together with England.
Quansah has caught Real Madrid’s attention after a string of impressive performances for Leverkusen. The defender was also the subject of a failed £55million bid from Arsenal this summer, before the Gunners signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are expected to strengthen their defence with two new signings next summer. Real Madrid’s defensive signings of Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras in 2025 have yet to fully convince.
Quansah could therefore emerge as an option for Mourinho as he looks to strengthen his back line. According to Sport Bild, Liverpool are unlikely to pass up the opportunity to bring Quansah back.
The Reds can exercise their buy-back option until June 15, 2027, for €70million (£59.5million). Liverpool could be in the market for a centre-back next summer, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Quansah came through Liverpool’s academy and made his senior debut in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in August 2023. He went on to make 58 appearances for the Reds, scoring three goals.
Quansah has racked up 50 appearances for Leverkusen so far, scoring five goals. He was also part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad, starting three matches at right-back before being sent off in the last-16 clash against Mexico.
The Englishman said last year that he was happy with his decision to leave Liverpool in the summer, despite his former side’s defensive issues.
“I had the opportunity to prove myself here [at Leverkusen] and I’m super happy that I made the move,” the centre-back told BBC Sport.
“You can’t live the game of football with regrets. Anything could have happened at Liverpool and I had to focus on what I wanted to do and what I felt was best.
“The feeling I got from Leverkusen was everything I needed for my development. It’s not about this year or next year – it’s about where I’m going to be when I reach the top of my level. I thought the best way of doing that was by taking a step abroad.”
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