‘They played like no other side' - Jarell Quansah explains why he joined 'brilliant' Bayer Leverkusen from Liverpool and ready for 'great role' under Erik ten Hag after completing transfer

Leverkusen have announced the arrival of Quansah, who will stay at the Bundesliga club until the summer of 2030. The German side will pay a reported €30 million (£26m/$35m) fee with another €10m available in add-ons. The defender, fresh off of the European Under 21 Championship success with England, explained how Die Werkself impressed him when they met Liverpool in the Champions League last season and believes it will be a great role for him, as he was explained Erik ten Hag’s rebuild project thoroughly during negotiations.

Quansah, who will be donning the No. 4 shirt at the German club, recorded 25 appearances last term at Liverpool and garnered attention as one of the most promising English centre-backs. A brilliant snatcher of the ball, his towering height and dynamism are what attracted Leverkusen to sign him.

The 22-year-old said: “I was able to get a good impression of the team and the club when Liverpool played Leverkusen in the Champions League last season. A brilliant team – for the first hour they played like almost no other side at Anfield. The ambitious targets here were clearly explained to me during the negotiations. It's a great role and challenge for me to be part of the current Leverkusen rebuild.”

Leverkusen have chosen Brazil's Rio de Janeiro as their pre-season destination from 14-27 July. They will become the first Bundesliga team to conduct a pre-season in South America.