Liverpool’s Defensive Revolution: Quansah’s Uncertain Future Adds to Summer Shake-up
In what promises to be a turbulent transfer window for Liverpool, David Ornstein’s recent update on Sky Sports’ Back Pages has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Speaking on the programme, the respected Athletic journalist offered revealing insights into the defensive overhaul expected at Anfield, including a notable name he expects to depart: Jarrel Quansah.
As Liverpool look to build on their Premier League-winning season under new boss Arne Slot, it’s clear that no stone will be left unturned in reshaping the backline.
Quansah Exit Signals Ruthless Approach
Ornstein’s revelation that “I would expect Jarell Quansah to leave” caught the attention of many, and rightly so. The young centre-back, who impressed at times during the 2023-24 season, has seen his minutes drastically reduced under Slot. From logging nearly 2,500 minutes last year to just 1,207 this season, it’s apparent that his trajectory has stalled.
There is no clarity yet on whether Quansah will depart permanently or on loan. But his early substitution in the season opener against Ipswich set the tone for a campaign where confidence, form and tactical fit were all found wanting. While he penned a new contract in October 2024, that now feels more like a protective measure from the club than a sign of long-term belief.
Full-Backs in Focus: Frimpong and Kerkez Headline Targets
With Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed to be leaving the club, the need for reinforcements at full-back is undeniable. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is the top candidate to fill the void, and “an agreement…is just a short matter of time”. His €35 million release clause represents decent value in today’s market, especially for a high-tempo attacking full-back.
On the left, there’s more ambiguity. As Ornstein noted, “It would probably require either Andy Robertson, or more likely [Kostas] Tsimikas to leave.” Should that happen, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is at the top of Liverpool’s list, though Ajax’s Jorrel Hato remains a prominent alternative.
This targeted recruitment reflects a broader strategic pivot. Slot’s system demands mobile, tactically astute full-backs who can contribute at both ends of the pitch—a sharp contrast to the more fixed roles under Jurgen Klopp.
Centre-Back Core Faces Flux
With Virgil van Dijk the only guaranteed name on the team sheet next season, Liverpool’s centre-back situation is evolving rapidly. Ibrahima Konaté is drawing “extensive interest” from PSG, and while nothing is confirmed, the links are significant.
Ornstein’s mention of Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley as right-back options was intriguing, especially as Gomez is being earmarked for a utility role after a decade of service and numerous injury setbacks. If Konaté were to leave, Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes would be under pressure to bring in at least one—if not two—central defenders.
And still, one cannot forget that Joel Matip was not replaced last summer, a decision that now appears increasingly costly.
Big Decisions Loom in a Defining Summer
As it stands, Liverpool’s defence could undergo a near-total transformation in just a few months. This kind of scale is unusual—but perhaps necessary. Slot’s first season delivered the ultimate prize, but retaining the Premier League crown will require proactive evolution, not passive maintenance.
As Ornstein puts it, “almost no one is safe from transfer conversations ahead of the summer this year.” The message is clear: reputations count for less than performance and adaptability.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From the perspective of a Liverpool supporter, Ornstein’s report is as surprising as it is sobering. Jarrel Quansah’s likely exit, after a year of mixed signals, feels premature. Yes, he struggled—but wasn’t this season always going to be a transitional one under a new manager? Handing him a contract in October only to show him the door in May sends mixed messages about the club’s long-term planning.
Joe Gomez’s continued status as a utility man is perhaps the least shocking revelation, but his injury history makes the idea of him backing up multiple roles a risky one. We love him, but how sustainable is this?
Most startling, though, is the idea of such a sweeping defensive overhaul fresh off a title-winning campaign. It’s bold, and maybe that’s what Slot is all about. But for fans, there’s an emotional toll to seeing long-standing players moved on without a proper farewell or second chance.
If Frimpong and Kerkez do arrive, they’ll need to hit the ground running. The standards at Anfield are sky-high, and with European football back on the agenda, rotation will be crucial. But what hurts is the realisation that some of our academy-grown or long-serving players might be surplus to requirements.
Still, with Slot now a title-winning manager, we have to trust in the process—even if the process means painful goodbyes.
