Bayer Leverkusen target Jarell Quansah in bid to strengthen Erik ten Hag's ransacked squad as Liverpool close in on Florian Wirtz

The departure of long-serving defender Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich has created a significant void at the heart of Leverkusen’s defence. Additionally, Mario Hermoso’s temporary spell has concluded with no signs of a return, while Odilon Kossounou, who spent the previous season on loan at Atalanta, is unlikely to be part of Leverkusen’s plans moving forward due to a purchase clause in his contract with the Italian club.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool value Quansah at over £40 million ($54.2m) and any potential move for the defender would be handled separately from the Wirtz negotiations. Despite making 25 appearances across all competitions, he started only five Premier League games throughout the season, a disappointing return for a player with aspirations of cementing a regular place.

Hailing from Warrington, just outside Liverpool, Quansah is one of the standout products from the club’s academy in recent years. He had a breakthrough 2023-24 season, even managing to edge out Ibrahima Konate for a starting role alongside Virgil van Dijk toward the latter stages of the campaign.

Leverkusen are undergoing significant changes this summer, both on and off the pitch. Former head coach Xabi Alonso has taken the reins at Real Madrid, with ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag stepping into his shoes at the BayArena. The Dutchman has already overseen the arrival of Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and now appears keen to strengthen the defensive core of his new side.