Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of England Under-21 defender Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in a deal worth up to £35 million.
Liverpool will receive an initial £30 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-based add-ons. The Premier League champions have also inserted a buy-back clause, underlining their belief in Quansah’s long-term potential.
Quansah leaves Anfield having made 58 senior appearances for his boyhood club. A product of Liverpool’s academy, he broke into the first team under Jürgen Klopp in 2023 and featured regularly during the Reds’ title-winning campaign last season.
Although he started only four league matches, the Warrington-born defender was a trusted squad member and played a role in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup success as well.
His final act in a Liverpool shirt was lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield, capping a breakthrough season with silverware.
Speaking after his unveiling, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes hailed Quansah as one of England’s most promising centre-backs. He highlighted the defender’s physicality, ball-winning ability and forward drive as qualities that would enhance the Werkself squad.
Quansah, who will wear the number four shirt in Germany, said he was excited by the challenge. He revealed he had been impressed by Leverkusen’s performance at Anfield in the Champions League and was motivated by the club’s ambitious project.
Leverkusen’s interest in Quansah was accelerated by his performances at the Under-21 Euros, where he helped England beat Germany 3-2 in the final. His composure, athleticism and leadership at the back stood out throughout the tournament.
The move marks the third major transfer between Liverpool and Leverkusen this summer. The Reds previously secured deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, both of whom are expected to play key roles under Arne Slot.
While Liverpool view Quansah as a future star, the club are pressing ahead with plans to reinforce their backline. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is among their primary targets, though negotiations remain at an early stage.
Quansah now embarks on a new chapter in Germany, with Leverkusen hoping he will be a defensive pillar for years to come.
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