Bayer Leverkusen complete signing of Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah's transfer from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million, with a buy-back option, may influence betting odds as the move enhances Leverkusen's defensive lineup. Punters could lean towards placing bets on Leverkusen's success in the Bundesliga and Champions League, anticipating stronger performances with a more stable defense.

Jarell Quansah has completed his move from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal through to 2030. Liverpool say the deal is worth £30million and will include a buy-back option for the defender for a pre-agreed fee in the future.

Liverpool have been in regular dialogue with Leverkusen this summer, having already completed the signings of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from the Bundesliga side during the window.

Leverkusen have been in the market for defensive reinforcements after Jonathan Tah departed and joined Bayern Munich this summer. They are not expecting Odilon Kossounou to return after his season-long loan to Atalanta, with an option in place to make the move permanent.

Liv to Lev 🤝 Welcome to Bayer 04, Jarell Quansah! 🖤❤️ #Quansah2030

Quansah, 22, is a product of Liverpool’s academy and enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24. However, he played a more restricted role under Arne Slot during Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign last term, starting just four times in the top flight after being taken off at halftime during the opening day victory over Ipswich Town.

Quansah has made 58 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring three goals. Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga last season to qualify for the Champions League. Erik ten Hag was appointed the club’s new head coach this summer following Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid.

‘A deal that works for all parties’

Analysis by Liverpool reporter Andy Jones
Last season was a difficult one for Quansah with game time limited and inconsistent performances, so this is a deal that works for all parties. The 22-year-old centre-back moves to a club playing European football with the chance to establish himself as a consistent starter and develop, which will benefit Leverkusen.

A buy-back clause being inserted into the deal will offer Liverpool the opportunity to bring Quansah back to the club if he fulfills the potential they believe he has. It leaves Arne Slot with only three senior centre-backs — Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez — so logically they need to add another one this summer.

Supporters are still haunted by the 2020-21 season when Liverpool went into the campaign with only three senior central defenders and all of them suffered long-term injuries. Jurgen Klopp’s side only just made the Champions League that year.

Liverpool are monitoring the market but insist they will continue to stick to their recruitment strategy. They have been targeting a young centre-back for a number of summers with Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen all tracked in previous windows, but all three either stayed at their current club or moved elsewhere.

It has already been a summer of significant spending so Liverpool’s resources are not limitless. The club’s position is that only a significant market opportunity becoming available would make them consider deviating from their preferred profile.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is someone who would fit into that category, but with just one year remaining on his contract, Liverpool will only firm up their interest if the price is right. That would not be an easy deal to complete.

Slot used both Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo at centre-half last season, but neither should be considered a long-term option if injuries do bite. Ideally, they would not be required at all, either through their teammates staying fit or because that area has been reinforced.

(Photo: Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)

Liverpool say the deal is worth £30million and will include a buy-back option for the defender.

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