FA Cup winning manager eyeing summer raid for Liverpool defensive star

From Liverpool’s perspective, a potential deal for Quansah could be seen as sound financial and sporting strategy, but only under the right conditions.

Firstly, any transfer fee received for Quansah would count as pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). As a homegrown player, he has no amortised transfer cost on the books, meaning a £20–25 million fee would go straight into the club’s accounting ledger as profit. With financial fair play constraints tightening across Europe, this kind of transaction gives Liverpool room to manoeuvre in the market. This exceedingly important given the amount being laid out for Florian Wirtz.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Quansah’s performances under Arne Slot have not fully justified a long-term first-team role. While solid at times, he has struggled for consistency and playing time, often finding himself behind Van Dijk, Konaté, and even Joe Gomez in the pecking order. With Wataru Endō filling in at centre-back on occasion and the expected arrival of new defensive signings, the pathway to regular starts appears increasingly narrow.

This is where a club like Bayer Leverkusen becomes the ideal landing spot. Ten Hag has a reputation for nurturing young talent, and regular Bundesliga football could be just what Quansah needs to reignite his upward trajectory. However, Liverpool should not view this move as a farewell, rather, it should be a strategic pause.

Including a buy-back clause in any deal would be key. It gives Liverpool the opportunity to monitor Quansah’s development and, if he flourishes, bring him back to Anfield at a pre-agreed price. Such clauses have become common practice in top European clubs and would ensure the Reds don’t permanently lose out on a potentially valuable asset.

In terms of depth, Liverpool remain well-stocked. Van Dijk and Konaté are expected to be Slot’s preferred pairing, while Gomez continues to be a reliable utility player. New arrival Jeremie Frimpong adds to the defensive options out wide, and the club is actively scouting players like Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez for added reinforcement. From a numbers perspective, a departure for Quansah would be manageable.

For Liverpool, this isn’t about giving up on Quansah, it’s about giving him space to grow, profiting smartly under PSR, and future-proofing the squad. If the deal is structured correctly, it could be a win-win for all parties involved.

Quansah may yet return to Anfield a more polished, confident defender. But for now, a new chapter in Germany might be exactly what he and Liverpool need.