Liverpool agree £30m Quansah sale to Leverkusen with crucial buy-back clause

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sell defender Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million plus add-ons.

The 22-year-old will sign a contract with the Bundesliga side until 2030. Liverpool have inserted a buy-back clause to retain future control over the player.

Quansah emerged through Liverpool’s academy and made his senior debut in August 2023. He played 33 matches in his breakthrough season under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the centre-back started only four Premier League games last season.

Despite high internal regard for Quansah’s potential, Liverpool have opted to cash in to offset the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen and teammate Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m.

Quansah’s departure will make him the most expensive academy graduate ever sold by Liverpool, surpassing Rhian Brewster and Neco Williams.

The England Under-21 international has drawn interest across Europe, but was attracted by Leverkusen’s long-term vision and the opportunity to play under Erik ten Hag.

Liverpool’s decision to include a buy-back clause signals their belief in Quansah and allows them to re-sign him if he thrives in Germany.

No exact figure for the clause has been disclosed, but such arrangements typically include a premium if the player’s value rises significantly.

The deal is not believed to be linked to the Wirtz transfer, despite both moves involving the same clubs and occurring within weeks of each other.

Liverpool could return to the market for a new centre-back following Quansah’s departure, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi under consideration.

Interest in Guehi depends largely on Palace’s asking price, although Liverpool are reportedly willing to wait until next summer to pursue him on a free transfer if necessary.

Ibrahima Konate also has just one year left on his current deal, adding further uncertainty to the club’s defensive depth.