Jarell Quansah, Bayer Leverkusen and England player
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as they assess options to strengthen their back line, according to Sky Sports Germany.
The England international has emerged as a player of interest because of his potential, physical profile and ability to cover more than one defensive position.
Quansah only joined Leverkusen from Liverpool for €35 million, but interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal could put his future under scrutiny.
Notably, Liverpool retain a potential route back to the defender, with a €70 million buy-back option valid until June 2027.
Why Real Madrid are tracking Jarell Quansah
Real Madrid’s interest shows their search for greater reliability and depth in defence.
Injuries have disrupted their defensive plans in recent seasons, exposing the limits of their options across centre-back and full-back.
Jarell Quansah, Bayer Leverkusen and England player
Real Madrid are regularly scouting Jarell Quansah. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
On that note, Quansah offers flexibility that could appeal to the Spanish giants.
Primarily a centre-back, the 23-year-old can also operate at right-back, giving a manager more options when dealing with absences or tactical changes.
His physical attributes and ability to distribute the ball are also important parts of his profile.
Since moving to the Bundesliga, Quansah has continued his development, attracting attention from clubs looking for a defender who can contribute both in possession and without the ball.
Sky Sports Germany’s report indicates that Real Madrid are ‘regularly scouting the player’ and they see him as a ‘great candidate with serious potential.’
Liverpool could complicate any Real Madrid move
Jarell Quansah, Bayer Leverkusen and England player
Liverpool have a buyback option for Jarell Quansah. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Leverkusen are in a strong negotiating position after investing €35 million in Quansah, whose contract runs until 2030.
A long-term deal gives the German club considerable control over his future, particularly if interest from several major clubs develops into concrete offers.
Liverpool’s buy-back clause adds more complications to the situation, as the €70 million option, available until June 2027, could give the Premier League club a route to bring back a defender developed at Anfield.
To make matters worse, the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be monitoring Quansah, potentially increasing competition should Leverkusen become willing to negotiate.
Real Madrid would therefore need to assess both the transfer cost and the level of competition before making a move.
Mourinho considering leaving superstar duo out of Real Madrid starting XI vs Villarreal – report
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho is considering a major selection decision ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, with Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe potentially starting on the bench together for the first time.
According to Defensa Central, the possibility is being discussed because of the contrasting fitness concerns surrounding the two forwards after the international break.
Rather than a disciplinary measure, the decision would be aimed at managing their workloads before a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Vinicius faces fatigue concerns
The Brazilian returns after featuring in all three of Brazil’s friendlies in Australia and India.
His international commitments involved long-distance travel as well as significant minutes, leaving Mourinho to assess his condition before selecting the team.
But physical freshness is not the only consideration, as Vinicius has struggled to produce his best football this season, and a short spell out of the starting line-up could give the coaching staff an opportunity to reset his role without making a long-term statement about his standing.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
Vinicius is coming off a demanding tour with Brazil. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
The plan is not to sideline him indefinitely. Rather, Mourinho needs Vinicius at his best for the decisive matches ahead, making the Villarreal game a possible opportunity to manage his workload while demanding a stronger response.
What about Mbappe?
Mbappe’s situation is less about form and more about fitness.
The France international suffered a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee and has begun individual work at Real Madrid City.
Even if he is cleared to return to the squad, which is likely to be the case, Mourinho will have to judge whether the forward can withstand the demands of a full match.
Starting him prematurely could create an unnecessary risk just as Real Madrid enter a busy stretch of the season.
The club’s attacking alternatives, including Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham, could give Mourinho room to adjust his approach.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Mbappe was injured while on international duty. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Depending on availability and tactical requirements, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande are also among the names mentioned as possible options.
Focus on El Clasico
The Villarreal match is the first step in a run that includes Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig before Real Madrid meet Barcelona on October 25.
That schedule gives Mourinho a clear reason to think beyond one starting XI.
Leaving both stars out would be a notable decision, but it would not necessarily signal a change in their status.
The more important question is whether a carefully managed return can help them contribute consistently through October.
Hence, all things considered, Mourinho’s final call will depend on their condition in training, with the aim of having his key attackers ready for the fixtures that matter most.