Jarrell Quansah, the 23‑year‑old centre‑back who transferred from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen last summer, describes his move as an obvious choice. After progressing through Liverpool's youth system and racking up 58 senior appearances for the Premier League champions, Quansah completed a £35 million switch to the German club, signing a five‑year deal that promised him regular first‑team football. Since arriving in the Bundesliga, he has featured in 38 matches this season, confirming that the change has indeed delivered the playing time he sought.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, Quansah explained that the decisive factor was the professionalism and clarity of the Leverkusen management team. "They approached me with a very clear plan," he said. "They had detailed scouting reports, a thorough understanding of my strengths, and a vision for how I could develop further. Their assessment of my potential matched exactly what I believed about myself, so the decision was straightforward." He emphasized that the move was not a painful dilemma but rather a logical step toward his ambition to compete at the highest level.
"I didn't find it hard to decide because my priority was simply to play regularly," Quansah noted. "The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in the world, and Leverkusen offers the chance to play in the Champions League and in high‑stakes domestic fixtures, like the upcoming DFB‑Pokal semi‑final against Bayern Munich. Those are the kind of challenges I wanted." When asked to reflect on leaving the Premier League champions, Quansah admitted that intuition played a role.
"Sometimes you have a gut feeling that tells you what to do," he explained. "You can't over‑analyse or let too many external opinions sway you. I took time to think about my situation at Liverpool, considered what I could have improved, and asked myself what was best for my career. Once Leverkusen presented their proposal, everything clicked – I knew it was the right path." Beyond the club decision, Quansah is also focused on his international prospects.
He revealed that he intends to "attack" the remaining fixtures with Leverkusen in order to catch the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate and secure a place in the World Cup squad. Earlier this year, a thigh injury forced him to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s provisional England selection in March, with Ben White taking his spot. "Being named in a World Cup squad would be an incredible feeling," Quansah said.
"World Cups are rare; you only get a handful in a career, and being part of the tournament at a young age would be fantastic. It’s the biggest prize in football, and representing my country on that stage would be an honour." He stressed that words alone cannot persuade a national coach; performance on the pitch does. "I can only convince the selectors by playing well," Quansah asserted.
"My plan is to give everything in these final games for Leverkusen, showcase my abilities, and hope that earns me a call‑up. If I make the squad, I’ll be thrilled and will give my all for England. If not, I’ll keep working and improving – that’s the reality of professional sport." Quansah’s transition to the Bundesliga also illustrates a broader trend of young English talents seeking regular minutes abroad when opportunities at top Premier League clubs become limited.
By moving to a club with a clear development pathway and a reputation for nurturing defenders, he has positioned himself to grow technically and tactically, while also gaining exposure to different styles of play. The German league’s emphasis on high‑pressing, ball‑playing centre‑backs aligns well with modern football demands, potentially making Quansah an even more attractive option for England’s future defensive line‑up. Since his arrival, Leverkusen has benefited from his composure, aerial ability, and confidence on the ball. His contributions have helped the team maintain a solid defensive record and push deeper into cup competitions.
The upcoming DFB‑Pokal semi‑final against Bayern Munich, a match that Quansah described as "massive," offers him a platform to test himself against world‑class opposition and further prove his readiness for international duties. Looking ahead, Quansah remains optimistic about his career trajectory.
He acknowledges that the journey will involve challenges, but he is determined to seize every opportunity. "I’m excited about what lies ahead," he concluded.
"Whether it’s helping Leverkusen win trophies or earning a spot in the England squad for the World Cup, I’ll keep working hard and giving my best on the field."