Former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is attracting interest from clubs across Europe, leaving Andoni Iraola's side with a big transfer decision to make
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has a decision to make(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool's plans for next season could be complicated by growing interest in Jarell Quansah. The former Reds defender, who joined Bayer Leverkusen last year, attracted strong interest from Arsenal during the summer and is now reportedly being monitored by Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Liverpool included a buyback clause in the £35m deal that took Quansah from Anfield to the BayArena. The clause, reportedly worth €70m (£59m), expires on June 15, 2027, leaving Liverpool with a decision to make over the defender's future.
If interest from their domestic and European rivals continues to grow, the Reds could be tempted to activate the clause and bring Quansah back to Merseyside. There would be obvious benefits to doing so.
The 23-year-old, who can operate at both centre back and right back, already has extensive Premier League experience, having made 58 appearances for Liverpool and clinched the Premier League and Carabao Cup before his move to Germany. He has also established himself in Thomas Tuchel's England squad and impressed during the Three Lions' run at the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements could make the situation even more intriguing. The club must begin planning for life after Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires next summer, with the Netherlands international now 35. An extension has not been ruled out, but Liverpool will need to be prepared for the possibility of losing their captain.
Should Van Dijk leave, the Reds would need a ready-made replacement capable of stepping into one of the most demanding roles on Andoni Iraola's side. After bringing in the relatively inexperienced Jeremy Jacquet last summer, another young prospect may not be enough.
Quansah, by contrast, would offer a player who already knows the club, has Premier League experience and has demonstrated that he can operate at the highest level. Liverpool may therefore have to decide whether their best course of action is to let the buyback clause expire - or use it before one of their rivals gets the chance.
Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah has plenty of admirers(Image: MARKO PERKOV / AFP via Getty Images)
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In August, Arsenal came very close to signing Quansah. It's understood they'd agreed personal terms with the defender, but were unable to strike a deal with Leverkusen, who rejected a £55.5m bid.
According to German outlet BILD, Chelsea - managed by former Leverkusen manager and Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso - are currently leading the race for his signature and have made contact with the Bundesliga club about a possible transfer.
Real Madrid are also in the running, having reportedly identified Quansah as a primary defensive target. Quansah notably started at right back ahead of Los Blancos star Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's recent 3-2 defeat to Spain and their 7-0 thumping of Croatia, having already pipped the former Liverpool full back to a spot in the Three Lions' World Cup squad earlier in the year.
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