Liverpool Eye Defensive Reinforcements as Quansah Nears Leverkusen Move

Liverpool are closing in on the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal expected to exceed £34 million. While the move hasn’t been fully finalised, according to Sky Sports, “final discussions are ongoing between the clubs and the player is ready to push ahead with the move once a full agreement is reached.”

Quansah’s likely departure marks a swift rise for the young centre-back, who made just one Premier League start at centre-half before Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under Arne Slot. His value has soared, aided by Liverpool’s ability to showcase academy products, even if only briefly.

Guehi Deal Complicated by Assurances and Competition

Marc Guehi has re-entered the conversation as a long-term Liverpool target, but a transfer this summer appears to be out of reach. Sky Sports report that “any prospect of signing him this summer is currently at a distance,” due to both financial considerations and competition from other Premier League sides.

Arsenal and unnamed clubs remain active in their pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain. Guehi, for his part, “would want to be assured to be a regular first-team starter,” should he make a move. That request poses a challenge for Liverpool, who already have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez battling for starting roles.

Securing Guehi would likely cost around £40million. Palace are under pressure to sell, with Guehi in his final year of his contract, and Liverpool are reportedly not willing to overpay for a player who may not be a guaranteed starter under Slot’s evolving system.

Konaté’s Future Adds Another Layer

While Guehi might not be seen as a direct replacement for Quansah, his potential arrival could hinge more significantly on Ibrahima Konaté’s situation. The Frenchman has one year remaining on his current deal, and negotiations over a new contract have yet to bear fruit.

If an exit for Konaté becomes likely, Liverpool’s pursuit of a higher-tier centre-back like Guehi may intensify. As Sky Sports note, Guehi’s fit would “lend weight to the idea that he would not be someone Liverpool move for to replace Quansah,” but rather as part of a longer-term reshuffle depending on Konaté’s decision.

Alternative Options Still Being Explored

Liverpool’s strategy in the market appears patient rather than panicked. The club continue to explore options that match their profile — young, high-upside defenders with resale value. Interest in Leny Yoro last summer and Dean Huijsen this year, who ultimately joined Real Madrid, shows the type of player the club is seeking.

Sky Sports make it clear that “Liverpool are relaxed about their defensive options even if Quansah leaves,” suggesting confidence in the depth and balance within the current squad. Still, if the right opportunity arises, particularly one that suits Slot’s tactical preferences, the Reds will act decisively.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The Quansah news is bittersweet. He’s a local lad, showed promise in flashes, and you never like seeing one of your own move on. But £34 million for a player who barely featured during the title run? That’s excellent business. You have to respect the way Liverpool develop and sell talent with such precision.

Guehi would be a classy signing, no doubt. England international, Premier League tested, and still with room to grow. But would he really get minutes over Van Dijk or Konaté? Unless there’s movement on Konaté, it makes sense not to throw £50 million-plus at Palace for a fourth-choice defender.

There’s also the Slot factor. He’s not Klopp, and he won’t rotate for the sake of it. He’ll want players who are technically sharp, versatile, and comfortable in transition. Guehi fits that on paper, but the price and guarantees might be dealbreakers.

Trust the process, but let’s hope there’s clarity on Konaté before pre-season kicks off.