Why Liverpool must bring Jarell Quansah back to rescue troubled defence

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Credit: Imago and Manh Tung Tue 7 October 2025 18:00, UK Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in July but his strong defensive performances coupled with their own struggles at the back has made that move look like a rare error by the club’s hierarchy.Quansah was signed for £35million by Leverkusen in the summer transfer window, with Liverpool opting to cash in on a player to whom they gave only four starts in the Premier League last season.The 22-year-old has had a brilliant start to life in Germany, and he is one of only three ever-present players for Leverkusen this season in league action, along with Mark Flekken and Edmond Tapsoba.Quansah was a late call-up to Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad for the September internationals, but Tuchel opted to include him in his squad from the off for the October fixtures.Credit: ImagoWas it a mistake to sell Jarell Quansah instead of Ibrahima Konate?Liverpool have been poor in defence in season in their quest to retain their Premier League title, and Konate’s performances have come under huge scrutiny.Konate has made two errors leading to opposition chances this season in the Premier League, the joint-most of any player in the division.Liverpool could lose Konate on a free transfer next summer, and it looks as though they would have been better placed to retain Quansah and pull in some money from Konate instead while they still had the chance.MetricQuansahKonateTackles Won78Interceptions55Clearances3139Errors02Carry Progress (yards)1,488865Fouls47Shot-creating actions73Data from the 2025/26 season is correct as of 07/10/2025 MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Despite plying his trade in a new league for a team that has had three different managers this calendar year, Quansah has not made a single error in the Bundesliga and has looked accomplished on the right side of a back three.Despite regularly being tasked with covering for his marauding wing-backs, Quansah has also made a measly four fouls in league action this season.Credit: ImagoLiverpool can bring Quansah back to the club to heal ailing defenceLiverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six games in all competitions, while they have lost each of their last three matches.Arne Slot’s defensive selections have been questioned widely this season and there is reason to believe that Quansah could be the answer.Much of their struggles have come from the inability to adequality replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both failing to claim the starting berth, Dominik Szoboszlai has had to step in on multiple occasions, but the result is a weakened midfield unit.With Quansah showcasing his ability to defend in wide positions as part of Leverkusen’s three-at-the-back system, the 22-year-old feels like a stronger option than Konate to assist with Liverpool’s problems on the right.Liverpool already have their sights set on Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi, but given there is believed to be a £51million buy-back clause in Quansah’s contract, the Reds should strongly consider bringing him back to a club he had been part of since the age of five.