Liverpool’s decision to sell Jarell Quansah always felt more like “see you later” rather than goodbye, and just over a year after leaving Anfield, the academy graduate could already be positioning himself for a remarkable return.

According to SPORT BILD, Liverpool have until 15th June 2027 to activate a €70million (£59.5m) buy-back option for the Bayer Leverkusen defender, with the German publication suggesting it would be surprising if Liverpool passed up the opportunity. 

Quansah departed Liverpool for Leverkusen in July 2025 after spending almost his entire footballing life on Merseyside. He joined the Academy aged five before Jürgen Klopp handed him his senior debut against Newcastle United in August 2023. 

His rise was rapid. The Warrington-born centre-back accumulated 58 senior appearances and three goals for Liverpool across all competitions, collecting both Premier League and League Cup winners’ medals. His breakthrough 2023/24 campaign included an appearance in the League Cup final victory over Chelsea, while he featured 25 times during Arne Slot’s title-winning 2024/25 season. 

Moving to Germany has only accelerated his development. Quansah made 28 Bundesliga appearances and scored four goals during his first season with Leverkusen. So far in 2026/27, he has appeared in all four of their Bundesliga fixtures, starting three, playing 278 minutes and registering one assist. 

Now 23, his ability to operate at centre-back or right-back has reportedly attracted some serious admirers. 

Quansah's progress has also been reflected on the international stage. After representing England from Under-16 through to Under-21 level and helping the Young Lions win the 2022 European Under-19 Championship, his move to Bayer Leverkusen helped strengthen his case for regular international recognition.

Earning a place in England's 2026 World Cup squad, he featured three times at right-back, and is now sitting on seven senior England caps.

SPORT BILD reports that Real Madrid are closely scouting the England international, while Chelsea have also enquired about him and Leverkusen rejected a reported €65m Arsenal offer during the summer. 

That could make Liverpool’s buy-back clause increasingly significant. With Virgil van Dijk’s current contract approaching its conclusion, Liverpool’s long-term defensive planning will inevitably come under greater focus. 

Quansah would represent a fascinating option, homegrown, already accustomed to the demands of Anfield and now considerably more experienced than the defender who departed in 2025.

Liverpool sold Quansah to allow him to play regularly. By next summer, they could face the intriguing prospect of paying substantially more to bring back the player that regular football helped him become.

Should Liverpool activate Jarell Quansah's buy-back clause? Leave your thoughts and comments below.