Manchester United have entered the race for Jarell Quansah, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender attracting serious interest from both the Reds and Arsenal.
Football Transfers report that discussions are taking place with Leverkusen over a potential move, while Manchester United have also made contact with Quansah’s representatives. The 23-year-old only left Liverpool for Germany last summer, but a return to the Premier League could now be on the cards.
Quansah’s form in Germany has been strong enough to earn him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Arsenal currently have the edge
United aren’t alone in their pursuit. Arsenal are also actively involved in negotiations and are thought to have an advantage because of their existing relationship with Leverkusen.
That could prove significant, particularly because the Bundesliga club aren’t keen on losing one of their key players after just one season.
Leverkusen paid around €35 million to sign Jarrel Quansah from Liverpool last summer and are expected to demand considerably more if they are persuaded to sell.
The defender signed a contract running until 2030, meaning Leverkusen are under no immediate pressure to negotiate a departure.
There is also an interesting situation surrounding Liverpool. The Reds reportedly included a buy-back option when Quansah moved to Germany, although they aren’t currently in a position to activate it.
Despite the competition, Quansah’s own preference could influence how the situation develops. Reports suggest the England international wants to join Arsenal, who are currently the reigning Premier League champions.
That gives Mikel Arteta’s side another advantage over Manchester United.
United exploring Jarrel Quansah option
For Manchester United, the interest in Jarrel Quansah is another opportunity to strengthen their defence as he is capable of playing on the right-back and centre back.
Quansah came through Liverpool’s academy and was regarded as one of the club’s most promising young defenders before making the move to Leverkusen for around £30 million last summer.
His first season in Germany has only increased his reputation. Breaking into the England squad after just one campaign with Leverkusen is a clear indication of how highly he is now regarded.
United have already made contact with his representatives, but a deal would be complicated by Leverkusen’s reluctance to sell and Arsenal’s current position in the race.
The German club’s asking price is also likely to be considerably higher than the original fee they paid for Quansah.
For United, that leaves plenty of work to do if they want to pull off a surprise deal for a defender who only left England a year ago.
Arsenal may currently be in the strongest position, but United’s decision to make contact shows they don’t want to miss out without at least exploring the possibility.
With Quansah under contract until 2030 and Leverkusen reluctant to part ways, however, any move is likely to require a significant financial commitment.
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