It’s never easy saying goodbye to your boyhood club — especially when that club is Liverpool, and you’re one of its brightest homegrown stars. But for Jarell Quansah, the 22-year-old defender who rose from the Reds’ academy to Premier League glory, his summer switch to Bayer Leverkusen was a decision born out of ambition, not disloyalty.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers, Quansah opened up on the emotional but calculated decision to leave Anfield behind in pursuit of regular first-team football.
“I’ve been learning from some of the best players around me at Liverpool — it’s been great for my development,” Quansah said. “But at this stage of my career, I need hundreds of games to get where I want to be. That’s why I felt moving abroad was the right step.”
The move to Leverkusen, completed in late June for £30 million, stunned many Liverpool fans who had just watched Quansah play a crucial role in their Premier League title-winning campaign. His rise under Jürgen Klopp was remarkable — from academy prospect to first-team regular in a matter of months — capped by standout performances in both league and cup triumphs.
However, under new manager Arne Slot, opportunities dried up. With competition from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez, Quansah made just four appearances before deciding it was time to take control of his career.
“At a club like Liverpool, nothing’s guaranteed,” he admitted. “You’re surrounded by world-class players. I needed to progress, not stagnate.”
His decision is already paying off. Since joining Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, Quansah has started every match, scoring on his Bundesliga debut in a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim and quickly becoming a key figure in a side chasing another league title.
“Scoring on debut — dream start,” Quansah smiled. “The league’s intense and tactical. It’s sharpening me daily.”
The deal includes a buy-back clause for Liverpool, valid from 2027, reflecting how highly the club still rates him. Yet for now, Quansah is focused on making his mark in Germany, where his blend of composure and defensive strength has already drawn praise from Alonso, who called him “the missing piece” in Leverkusen’s setup.
Back at Anfield, Quansah’s departure has left a noticeable void. Liverpool’s defence has struggled in recent weeks, conceding seven goals across three straight defeats. With Konaté’s form dipping and Van Dijk’s age catching up, fans can’t help but wonder if letting Quansah go was a mistake.
Still, the young centre-back remains gracious and grounded.
“No regrets,” he said. “Liverpool is massive — they’ll be fine. But I’m focused on my own journey.”
For England, that journey could soon reach new heights. Called up to the senior squad by Thomas Tuchel, Quansah is on the brink of his first international cap, continuing a remarkable rise that mirrors England’s new generation of players thriving abroad.
In a football landscape where homegrown talents rarely venture outside the Premier League, Quansah’s courage stands out. His message is clear — to grow, sometimes you have to go.
And as he continues to shine under the lights of the BayArena, one thing is certain: Liverpool may have lost a defender, but English football has gained a rising star with the world at his feet.
