Liverpool will not exercise their option to bring Jarell Quansah back to Anfield this summer, according to reports from German media outlets. The decision comes despite a season of defensive instability for the club, which finished fifth in the Premier League.
Quansah progressed through Liverpool’s academy, making 58 first-team appearances before a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 for a reported £35 million. The versatile defender, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, is currently part of the England squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool had included buy-back clauses in Quansah’s deal, setting the price at €80 million (£69.3m) for a return in the summer of 2026 and €60 million (£72m) for 2027. However, the club has opted to delay activating the clause, believing Quansah will benefit from further development as a leader at Leverkusen for another year. They anticipate he will then be a key player, rather than a squad member, when he eventually returns in 2027.
Alongside the decision regarding Quansah, Liverpool have also decided to retain Joe Gomez for the final year of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2027. A new contract for the experienced defender is considered unlikely, but the club values his versatility and experience. Aston Villa, along with Besiktas and AC Milan, have reportedly expressed interest in Gomez for a potential move in the summer of 2026.
The club’s decision on Quansah comes as they assess options following the departure of Ibrahima Konate this summer, and signals a long-term strategy for strengthening their defensive options. Gomez has made 274 appearances for Liverpool, providing 12 assists during his time at the club.
