sevendayweekender – Bayer Leverkusen have intensified their interest in Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah as discussions continue between the two clubs. While the focus remains on Liverpool’s £116 million pursuit of Florian Wirtz, talks have also included the young English centre-back. Leverkusen admire Quansah’s potential, and the 22-year-old is seen as a valuable addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad, which will compete in the Champions League next season.
Quansah made a limited number of appearances for Liverpool in the last campaign, often featuring in rotation rather than as a regular starter. Despite being on the fringes, he has earned senior England call-ups, highlighting his growing reputation. Liverpool are not actively pushing to sell him but are aware of the player’s desire for more consistent game time.
Leverkusen’s interest has grown as they prepare for possible defensive departures of their own. A deal for Quansah has yet to be agreed, but sources suggest it may progress once the Wirtz transfer is finalized. The Bundesliga champions are eager to complete key business early in the window to allow proper preseason integration.
Liverpool Open to Defensive Changes Ahead of Key Transfers
While Liverpool are not shopping Quansah, they could be open to letting him leave for the right offer. The club’s defensive structure is under review this summer, with Jürgen Klopp’s departure triggering a squad reshuffle. New manager Arne Slot wants to assess each player before final decisions are made, but the backline is an area marked for reinforcement.
Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi adds a layer of intrigue to the Quansah situation. The Reds see Guehi as a possible replacement, especially if Quansah leaves. Guehi, who has also featured for England, has just one year left on his contract and is unlikely to sign an extension at Selhurst Park. Last summer, Palace rejected four offers for Guehi from Newcastle, the highest of which was £65 million.
Liverpool Consider Future Free Transfer for Marc Guehi
If a deal for Guehi proves too expensive during the current window, Liverpool are prepared to wait. Sources close to the club indicate they would be willing to pursue the defender on a free transfer next summer. The Reds are mindful of wage structure and transfer spending under their new sporting strategy.
Liverpool’s interest in Guehi dates back to his early days at Crystal Palace. His composure, leadership, and athleticism suit the modern centre-back profile. He is also homegrown, adding value under Premier League and UEFA squad regulations.
Whether Quansah leaves or not, Guehi remains on the club’s radar as part of long-term defensive planning. Liverpool’s recruitment team is already exploring contingency scenarios for all possible outcomes this summer.
Ibrahima Konate Faces Uncertain Future at Anfield
Another potential complication for Liverpool’s defence is the uncertain status of Ibrahima Konate. The French international has just 12 months remaining on his contract and is yet to agree to a new deal. Talks with his representatives have been ongoing but no breakthrough has been reached.
Konate has struggled with injuries and consistency since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021. While his talent is undisputed, fitness concerns have limited his impact. The club must now decide whether to extend his contract or cash in while he still holds significant market value.
European clubs are monitoring his situation closely, particularly in Serie A and Ligue 1. Any departure would place additional pressure on Liverpool to sign a top-quality replacement. With Quansah and Konate both possibly exiting, defensive recruitment has become a priority.
Joe Gomez Also Linked with Summer Exit from Liverpool
Joe Gomez is another defender whose Liverpool future remains in doubt. Once considered a cornerstone of the defence, Gomez has seen his role evolve into a utility player, covering both full-back and central roles. Although he performed reliably last season, his long-term future is unclear under the new management.
Clubs in Italy and Spain have shown interest, with Gomez valued for his versatility and experience. He still has multiple years left on his contract, so Liverpool would require a reasonable fee to let him go. However, his departure could be sanctioned if the club decides to rebuild the defence around younger players or incoming targets.
With Konate, Quansah, and Gomez all potentially departing, Liverpool face a crucial transfer window in reshaping their defence. Whether through immediate deals or long-term planning, the next few weeks will be vital in setting the tone for the new era under Arne Slot.
