Liverpool are currently planning to sign the £35m star, who manager Jurgen Klopp once described as an “absolutely outstanding player”, with the paperwork already in place.
Reds look to new defender amid Konate uncertainty
With Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Reds were active during the January transfer window and succeeded in signing Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
However, given Jaquet’s inexperience at just 20 years old, it could make sense to bring in another centre-back at the end of the season, with journalist Pete O’Rourke revealing that Konate is not close to signing a new contract.
Mr O’Rourke said: ”Clearly, Konate’s future remains uncertain, with only a few months remaining on his contract and no breakthrough to secure a new deal at Anfield yet in sight.
”Naturally, his future remains up in the air, and nothing seems set in stone either way.
”Jaquet has a promising future and Liverpool are spending a lot of money on him. Ideally, Liverpool would like Konate to stay and Jacquet to be with him next season, but that would require four centre-halves.
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool are currently planning to sign former player Jarrell Quansah after selling the centre-back to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal last summer, and a deal could be relatively easy.
The Reds have a buy-back clause that comes into effect in 2027, and the paperwork is already in place for manager Arne Slott to bring Quansah back for a pre-agreed fee.
During his time on Merseyside, former manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he was a big fan of the one-capped England international, saying in January 2024: “Jarrell had a really great season.
“He’s one of those players where people already knew he was a real talent. He came on against Newcastle and was outstanding in a very difficult game. From that moment everything fell into place and it was really good.”
Quansah plays in the Bundesliga
The 23-year-old is starting to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, becoming a regular starter for Leverkusen, appearing in 17 league games this season, and also putting in a solid performance against Villarreal in the Champions League last month.
Jarrel Quansah’s key stats against Villarreal | completed number |
exact path | 76/83 (92%) |
Duel (win) | 3 (3) |
long ball (accurate) | 11(7) |
clearance | 2 |
Not only that, the former Liverpool man has also attracted attention in the Premier League from time to time, with Slott saying last season: “I think he has shown with his recent performances that he is beyond the bounds of being called a talent.
FSG lead race to sign Mac Allister’s ‘superstar’ to end his Liverpool career
Liverpool are set to make changes to Arne Slott’s midfield at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“That’s probably what Thomas Tuchel saw in giving him the call-up and understands as well. He performed really well the last few times he had to play for us and even in a completely unfamiliar position at right-back.”
Quansah could therefore be a smart acquisition for Liverpool, and it was a smart move to include a buy-out clause in his contract with Leverkusen.
