Jarrell Quansah, the young centre‑back who transferred from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen, described his decision to leave Anfield as a "no‑brainer". The 23‑year‑old defender completed a £35 million move to the German club last summer after progressing through Liverpool’s youth system and making 58 senior appearances for the English side. Seeking regular first‑team football, Quansah signed a five‑year deal with Leverkusen and has already featured in 38 matches this campaign.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Quansah explained that the clarity of Leverkusen’s approach was a decisive factor. "The club’s management presented a very specific plan, outlining exactly what they had observed in my game and the potential they believed I could fulfil.
Their vision aligned perfectly with my own ambitions, so the choice became obvious," he said. He added that the club’s detailed scouting report and the mutual understanding of his development pathway left no room for doubt.
Quansah emphasized that the decision was not a painful one. "It wasn’t the hardest choice because all I wanted was to play regularly. I felt I could compete at a high level in the Bundesliga, which is one of Europe’s top leagues, and I also wanted the chance to feature in the Champions League and other big fixtures, like the upcoming DFB‑Pokal semi‑final against Bayern Munich – that’s a massive game for any player," he explained.
When asked about his departure from the Premier League champions, Quansah reflected on the instinctive nature of his move. "Sometimes you just have a gut feeling.
Over‑thinking it or listening to too many opinions can cloud your judgment. I took some time to reflect on my situation at Liverpool, considered what I could have done better, and thought about what would be best for my career," he said. "When the Leverkusen side approached me and laid out everything they wanted, I instantly knew it was the right step." Beyond club matters, Quansah also spoke about his international aspirations. He confirmed that he intends to "attack" the remaining fixtures of the season in order to catch the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate and earn a place in the World Cup squad.
After missing Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England selection in March because of a thigh injury – a spot that went to Ben White – Quansah remains determined to prove himself. "Being named in a World Cup squad would be an incredible feeling.
Tournaments like that don’t come around often, and you only get a handful of chances in a career. Getting the chance to represent your country at such a young age would be fantastic, and helping the team chase the biggest trophy in football would be a massive honour," he said.
He was realistic about the challenge, noting that words alone cannot secure a place. "I can only convince the manager with my performances on the pitch. That’s what I’m going to focus on.
I’ll give everything in these final games with Leverkusen. If that earns me a spot in the squad, I’ll be thrilled and will give my all for England. If not, I’ll keep working and improving – that’s just the way it is," Quansh added. Since arriving in Germany, Quansah has become a regular fixture in Leverkusen’s defence, contributing both defensively and with occasional forays forward.
His adaptability to the faster, more physical style of the Bundesliga has been praised by teammates and coaches alike. The defender has also benefited from playing alongside seasoned internationals, which he believes will accelerate his growth and readiness for the international stage. Looking ahead, Quansah is eager to test himself in the DFB‑Pokal semi‑final against Bayern Munich, a match that could serve as a showcase for his abilities against some of Europe’s elite.
"Playing against a side like Bayern is a great opportunity to demonstrate my quality and to see how I perform under pressure," he said. "If I can help Leverkusen win that game, it would be a huge boost for my confidence and my case for England." In summary, Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen was driven by a clear plan from the German club, a desire for consistent playing time, and the ambition to compete at the highest levels of European football. His focus now is on delivering strong performances for Leverkusen, securing a place in England’s World Cup squad, and continuing his development as a top‑class defender.