Liverpool confirm departure of youngster who debuted under Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool have confirmed the departure of young centre-back Jarell Quansah to German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

He is the third defender to leave Anfield this summer , following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid and Nathaniel Phillips move to West Bromwich Albion.

The reigning Premier League champions can activate a buy-back clause ‘from 2027’.

Leverkusen agreed to pay an initial £30 million fee plus £5m in add-ons for the acquisition of the England youth international.

Quansah joined Liverpool at the age of 5 and climbed through the ranks to make 58 appearances for the first team.

He debuted under former manager Jurgen Klopp, coming on as a substitute in the comeback Premier League victory over Newcastle United in August 2023 at St.James’ Park.

The English defender scored his first goal in a Europa League clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. He registered two further goals and three assists for the Reds.

Quansah started manager Arne Slot’s first Premier League game against Ipswich Town last season but was replaced by Ibrahima Konate at halftime.

The Warrington-born player struggled to reclaim a spot in the starting line-up as Konate established a formidable relationship with captain Virgil van Dijk.

He made just 14 starts across all competitions last season, suggesting that Slot does not regard him highly.

To get more game time, Quansah has now decided to join Leverkusen and has signed a five-year deal with the German side.

Erik ten Hag’s side need to strengthen their defensive department following Odilon Kossounou’s and Jonathan Tah’s departures to Atalanta and Bayern Munich, respectively.

With the duo’s departure, Quansah could secure a place in the starting line-up next season.

He is enjoying strong momentum after being part of the England U21 European Championship-winning team.

A move to Leverkusen could help him secure a spot in the Three Lions’ squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.