Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen near £35m deal for Jarell Quansah: what’s next?

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are nearing a £35 million agreement for defender Jarell Quansah, with talks reportedly in their final stages.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool last October, has been a product of the club's academy since age five. He made his senior debut in August 2023 and featured prominently in the 2023-24 season, making 33 appearances under Jürgen Klopp.

However, Quansah's form dipped last season under new management, starting only four games under Arne Slot and falling behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the defensive hierarchy. Currently representing England at the Under-21 European Championship, the versatile defender has expressed reluctance to remain a bench player.

Liverpool's strong financial management and adherence to Profit and Sustainability Rules mean that selling Quansah, a homegrown academy graduate, would yield pure profit. The club is reportedly considering offloading fringe players to balance the books.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal could be finalized within 24 to 48 hours, with a fee around £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons. This transfer could trigger further moves between the clubs, as Liverpool recently signed Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for £29 million and are close to another major signing from the Bundesliga side.

Quotes:
"Jarell Quansah deal can be agreed in the next 24/48h as Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool are at final stages of negotiations. Quansah already said yes; understand final fee can be around £30m plus £5m add-ons." – Fabrizio Romano

Stats:
- 33 appearances in 2023-24 season
- £35 million estimated transfer fee
- 5-year contract signed last October

The move highlights Liverpool's strategy of balancing squad depth and finances while providing Quansah an opportunity for more regular first-team football at Leverkusen.

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are close to finalizing a £35 million deal for defender Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old, who signed a five-year contract last October, has struggled for form but remains a valuable asset. The transfer could trigger further moves between the clubs.