Liverpool face a decision over Jarell Quansah's future as interest in the former Reds defender intensifies. The 23-year-old, who left Anfield for Bayer Leverkusen last year, was strongly linked with Arsenal during the summer and is now reportedly being monitored by Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Liverpool included a buyback clause in the £35m deal that took Quansah to the BayArena. The clause, reportedly worth €70m (£59m), expires on June 15, 2027. If interest from domestic and European rivals continues to grow, the Reds could be tempted to activate it and bring Quansah back to Merseyside.
Quansah's pedigree and the Van Dijk factor
The defender, who can operate at both centre back and right back, has extensive Premier League experience, having made 58 appearances for Liverpool and won the Premier League and Carabao Cup before his move to Germany. He has also established himself in Thomas Tuchel's England squad and impressed during the Three Lions' run at the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements adds to the intrigue. The club must plan for life after Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires next summer, with the Netherlands international now 35. An extension has not been ruled out, but Liverpool will need to be prepared for the possibility of losing their captain.
Should Van Dijk leave, the Reds would need a ready-made replacement capable of stepping into one of the most demanding roles on Andoni Iraola's side. After bringing in the relatively inexperienced Jeremy Jacquet last summer, another young prospect may not be enough. Quansah, by contrast, would offer a player who already knows the club, has Premier League experience and has demonstrated that he can operate at the highest level.
Arsenal bid and rival interest
In August, Arsenal came very close to signing Quansah. It's understood they had agreed personal terms with the defender, but were unable to strike a deal with Leverkusen, who rejected a £55.5m bid.
According to German outlet BILD, Chelsea - managed by former Leverkusen manager and Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso - are currently leading the race for his signature and have made contact with the Bundesliga club about a possible transfer. Real Madrid are also in the running, having reportedly identified Quansah as a primary defensive target.
Quansah notably started at right back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's recent 3-2 defeat to Spain and their 7-0 thumping of Croatia, having already pipped the former Liverpool full back to a spot in the Three Lions' World Cup squad earlier in the year.
Liverpool may therefore have to decide whether their best course of action is to let the buyback clause expire - or use it before one of their rivals gets the chance.
