Liverpool v Fulham - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Liverpool v Fulham - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Former Liverpool star John Aldridge has urged the Reds to re-sign Jarell Quansah, amid interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea. He believes that the defender is the ideal player for Andoni Iraola's squad and should be an option.
Speaking to LiverpoolEcho, Aldridge said that Quansah is the best long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. He claimed that the Dutchman's contract should not be renewed and he should be allowed to leave in the summer.
"I'd be looking to bring back Jarell Quansah. There’s a buyback option on him and, for me, it’s a no-brainer. Next season, if Virgil van Dijk goes, you’re looking at it and we could have Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Quansah. That’s four great options."
"Arne Slot didn’t fancy Quansah after that first game of the season against Ipswich. It showed as he didn’t really play him, didn’t really fancy him. But he’s proved Arne wrong."
Talking more about Quansah, Aldridge stated that Liverpool need to bring back the Englishman as he has done well since moving to Bayer Leverkusen and also impressed with the national side. He said:
"He’s gone to Leverkusen and is doing really well. He’s playing well for England. For me, you need four really good centre-halves. It’s a no-brainer to get Quansah back next year. Absolutely, 100 per cent. 100 per cent, man. As long as he wants to come. He’s a Warrington lad. I hope he’s a Liverpudlian. And if that’s the case, there’s no reason not to go and get him."
"Liverpool has the buyback. If they want him, they have to go and get him. And then next year, centre-halves-wise, we’d be really solid. That’s despite Virgil going after all his years of service he’s given us. There has been a question mark in the position since Joel Matip went. I wasn’t a big, big fan of Ibrahima Konate."
The Reds are yet to open contract talks with Van Dijk, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield.
Chelsea and Real Madrid chase former Liverpool star
Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million and have a buyback clause in his contract. Reports suggest they can re-sign him for €70 million (£67.5 million) in June 2027, but are yet to make a decision.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are also in the race for the youngster, who has broken into the England squad under Thomas Tuchel. The defender was also linked with Arsenal in the summer.