Newcastle United remain interested in Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, though a move this summer appears unlikely given Liverpool’s stance and high-fee demands, as well as Newcastle’s fluid shortlist of targets.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reports that “some figures at Newcastle admire Quansah, and the recruitment department have tracked his development closely.”
Waugh adds that during talks last summer over a potential Anthony Gordon transfer to Liverpool, “the first player they proposed in exchange—when a transfer fee would have been paid—was Quansah.”
The 22-year-old fits the profile Newcastle are seeking, as Waugh explains he is ”a 22-year-old and a centre-half who can cover right-back,” so “Quansah fits the age and positional profile Newcastle are looking to strengthen with this summer.”
A right-sided center-back and a right wing are key priorities for Newcastle entering the summer transfer window, reports Waugh, both positions still unaddressed since the October 2021 takeover of Newcastle by PIF.
“Newcastle are not at the stage yet where they have finalised top targets,” Waugh notes, adding that Quansah “is expected to feature on a long list heading into the summer… but that does not mean they will make a move for him.”
Other players, such as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, are also being monitored after the failed transfer last summer and with NUFC putting together the strongest list of targets they’ve ever crafted to date.
Fellow insider James Pearce, writing in the same The Athletic article, provided Liverpool’s perspective on the player availability ahead of the summer window.
“The short answer to whether he is available is no,” Pearce writes. “Liverpool are planning for next season with Quansah on board… and are not considering the sale of the 22-year-old academy graduate, who remains a big part of head coach Arne Slot’s plans.”
Pearce also rebuffed recent speculation around a potential see for a fee in the £30m ballpark.
“Speculation about a potential £30 million ($39m) deal is certainly wide of the mark. When Newcastle had an approach to sign Quansah rebuffed last June, they already valued him at around £50m.”
Quansah is under contract until 2029 and, despite limited starts, has made 22 appearances this season and recently received an England call-up.