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But while he initially retained the position under Arne Slot, he was withdrawn at half-time on the opening day of the season against Ipswich Town and ultimately took his time to recover his form after the early setback.

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Despite Quansah’s early potential, the Reds have decided to sanction the defender’s exit in a move that will surprise some onlookers.

After all, he signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool only last October, with few predicting that Quansah would be making a permanent exit when putting pen to paper on such terms less than a year later.

However, such a move is normal practice under Liverpool’s transfer model, with the Reds raising over £300m when selling academy graduates and young players signed from other clubs over the past decade.

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It’s the ruthless side of football.

The basis we created is really good and that was the job I thought and how I understood that I had to do.”

The ECHO understands that the Reds are now prioritising bringing in a young centre-back with high potential to replace Quansah, having previously missed out on Levi Colwill, Leny Yoro and Dean Huijsen.

However, Liverpool are also admirers of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who could be available for a relatively cut-price fee given that he has just one year left on his contract.

If the Reds were to sign a young centre-back with potential, such an addition would immediately strengthen the squad as cover.

They would then either develop into a starter, perhaps succeeding Ibrahima Konate if he does not sign a new contract or emerging as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, or later be sold on for potential profit.

Alternatively, if Liverpool opt to pursue Guehi, they would be moving for a more polished article to strengthen directly in the here and now.

While the 22-year-old Quansah has made 30 Premier League appearances, of which 17 have come from the start, the 24-year-old Guehi has been a regular in the English top-flight for the past four seasons.

Capped 23 times by England, he now boasts 217 club appearances under his belt, with 132 coming in the Premier League.

The Reds can be patient with potential, but they also need players who are ready now to maintain their success.

Consequently, potential is sold for maximum profit, when the time comes, after gaining experience supporting the first team.

He had made just two appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit, both in the League Cup, before thriving on loan with Swansea City during 18 months in the Championship.

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Quansah has played his part for Liverpool over the past two seasons, and helped them win the Premier League.

But with the Dutchman signing a new contract back in April, such a door closed - at least for now.

As a result, his impending switch to Bayer Leverkusen is just the latest example of a transfer model that Klopp lifted the curtain on little over a year ago.

Ultimately, first under the German's watch and now with Slot at the helm, as talented as so many of their youngsters are, Liverpool just find themselves fishing at a bigger pond as they look to continue to challenge for Premier League and Champions League glory.