Transfer negotiations can get complicated fast.
It’s not always about straight cash anymore.
Sometimes clubs want to mix things up, asking for players to be included in deals.
This adds another layer of strategy — and pressure — for all parties involved.
When a big-name player is involved, this kind of negotiation can define a club’s transfer window.
Liverpool’s pursuit of a key creative midfielder is one of the hottest stories this summer.
The club is ready to spend big, hoping to land a player who can make an immediate impact.
But the selling club isn’t just waiting for a cheque.
Instead, they reportedly “have the idea” for Liverpool to include some of their own young talents in the deal.
This puts Liverpool in a tricky spot — should they sacrifice youth for an established star?
It’s a question every top club faces when balancing the short term and the future.
According to Sky Germany, Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly interested in including either Harvey Elliott or Jarell Quansah as part of their deal for Liverpool’s prime target, Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz, 22, has been a standout player for Leverkusen, helping them to the Bundesliga title last season with an impressive tally of 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games.
Liverpool has made a club-record offer, around £109 million, but Leverkusen reportedly wants more than just money.
Harvey Elliott, aged 22, is a talented midfielder who has delivered impressive moments for Liverpool.
Throughout the 2023–24 season, he appeared 53 times across all competitions, netting 4 goals and assisting 11.
Highlights include a decisive goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and a crucial assist in the Carabao Cup final.
However, Elliott started just one Premier League match, sparking questions about his long-term role at Anfield.
Similarly, 22-year-old defender Jarell Quansah is a promising talent.
After spending time on loan at Bristol Rovers, he returned to Liverpool and made his first-team debut in August 2023.
Over the 2023–24 season, Quansah played in 34 games, scoring 3 goals and contributing 3 assists.
He was part of the Liverpool squad that secured the 2023/24 EFL Cup and earned a spot in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.
Including either player in the Wirtz deal could mean Liverpool loses a future star in exchange for an established one.
This adds pressure on Liverpool’s decision makers.
While Wirtz would be a huge addition to Arne Slot’s squad, giving them a fresh creative spark, giving up Elliott or Quansah could affect Liverpool’s long-term planning.
The talks are still ongoing with no final decision yet.
From Liverpool’s perspective, it’s a balancing act — do you strengthen now or keep building for the future?
The next few weeks will be crucial.
🚨⚫️🔴 Bayer 04 Leverkusen have the idea to include Harvey Elliott or Jarell Quansah in the deal for Florian #Wirtz.
There’s no final decision on this yet, but talks are ongoing. #LFC @SkySportDE 🏴 pic.twitter.com/j9NInh9LDA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 1, 2025
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