Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of English professional footballer Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in a deal worth £35 million.
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions, further strengthening their defensive ranks ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Quansah, who recently helped England clinch the European Under-21 Championship title with a victory over Germany in the final, leaves Liverpool after rising through the club’s academy and breaking into the first team in recent seasons.
Quansah is a product of Liverpool’s academy, having joined the Reds at the age of five. After progressing through the youth ranks, he made his senior debut during the 2023/24 season and quickly impressed with his composure, aerial strength, and intelligent reading of the game.
In total, he made 58 appearances for the Reds, scoring three goals. Some of his achievements in a Liverpool shirt include winning the League Cup in 2024 and playing a role in Arne Slot’s side that captured the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season.
Despite the presence of experienced players like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez, Quansah held his own and was often praised.
Leverkusen Continue Summer Overhaul
Quansah becomes the third player involved in a transfer between Leverkusen and Liverpool this summer, following the Reds’ double swoop for midfielder Florian Wirtz and right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The connection between the clubs appears to have grown stronger, with Leverkusen now investing in Premier League talent to continue their impressive rise under manager Xabi Alonso.
Speaking about the transfer, Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed his excitement at securing one of England’s brightest defensive prospects.
“He has already made an impressive impact in a Liverpool defence dominated by world-class players. With Jarell, our defence gains significant dynamism, pace and toughness in tackling, and he’s another very important building block for the future.”
Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes
Quansah is expected to slot into a backline that already boasts the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié, providing Ten Hag with both depth and youthful energy as they prepare to compete for the Bundesliga title and compete in the UEFA Champions League.
Profit and Sustainability Impact
From Liverpool’s perspective, the £35m fee represents a substantial gain in terms of profit and sustainability rules (PSR), as Quansah is classified as a homegrown player.
Under Premier League accounting regulations, any fee received for academy-developed players is recorded as pure profit, providing the club with valuable financial flexibility.
This factor likely played a role in Liverpool’s willingness to accept Leverkusen’s offer, especially with uncertainty surrounding the futures of other centre-backs at the club.
Quansah’s departure may signal a broader reshuffle in Liverpool’s defensive department. France international Ibrahima Konaté has just 12 months remaining on his current contract and is yet to agree an extension, prompting speculation over his future.
Joe Gomez, who has served Liverpool with distinction since 2015, also faces an unclear path forward under Arne Slot. As a result, Liverpool have turned their attention to potential replacements.
One of their top targets is Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old, who was part of England’s senior squad for Euro 2024, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders and would represent a natural replacement for Quansah or Konaté.
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