Jarell Quansah has left Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen, the Premier League champions have confirmed.
The versatile defender had fallen down the pecking order under Arne Slot after a breakout campaign with Jurgen Klopp the previous season, and has now left the Anfield club for £30million, plus £5m in add-ons.
Having come through the academy ranks, Quansah, who can play at either centre back or right back, departs for Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen side who are beginning a new era.
So far this summer the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions have lost manager Xabi Alonso, star man Florian Wirtz and right back Jeremie Frimpong, leaving former United boss Ten Hag with a major rebuild.
Yet one of his first acquisitions has been Quansah, who brings plenty of top level experience despite his relatively young age.
As well as winning the U21 Euros with England, the centre back has also lifted two Carabao Cups and a Premier League title in his 58 appearances for Liverpool.
After joining the club at the age of five, this will be only his second opportunity to play for a team other than Liverpool, having gone on loan at Bristol Rovers for the second half of the 2022-23 season.
In announcing the news, the boyhood Reds fan penned an emotional message on social media to his supporters.
‘From the moment I walked through the doors of the Academy at 5 years old, I dreamed of one day wearing the Liverpool shirt at Anfield. 17 years later, I can now say I have lived that dream,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘To my team-mates, thank you for welcoming me, pushing me, and believing in me. I’ve learned so much from sharing the pitch and dressing room with such amazing people and will never forget the incredible memories we’ve had.
‘To the staff, the coaches, and everyone behind the scenes, your belief and dedication have always been a constant source of motivation. You have helped me grow not only as a footballer, but as a person as well.
‘And to the fans, your support has always been unmatched. Whether at Anfield or away from home, hearing you sing never failed to inspire me. I will carry that with me wherever I go.
‘Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s not just a club — it’s a family! This is goodbye for now, but I’ll always be watching — once a Red, always a Red.’
Mail Sport reported in June that Liverpool will have a buy-back clause included in the deal for Quansah, who has penned terms on a five-year deal in Germany.
With Quansah’s departure now confirmed, Liverpool will now focus on attempting to bring in a young centre-back.
In addition to their interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Slot’s team are also looking to sign another player with potential in that position.
Over the past 12 months Liverpool looked at Leny Yoro before he joined Manchester United and Dean Huijsen prior to his switch to Real Madrid.
Liverpool have been monitoring Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, with the 19-year-old capable of playing at centre back or left back.
