Liverpool make Jarell Quansah buyback decision amid mounting injury problems

Liverpool are struggling at the back heading into the new season.

Andoni Iraola is working with a depleted backline - owing to the departure on a free transfer of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid.

Adding to the 44-year-old’s problems are injuries. Joe Gomez is the latest centre-back to go down - withdrawn early in the piece against Sunderland during last weekend’s preseason friendly.

And Conor Bradley at right-back is also a long-term injury casualty following a knee problem suffered against Arsenal back in January.

Liverpool need experienced defensive options

Liverpool’s options at centre-back in the absence of Gomez are inexperienced and - besides - are recovering from injuries of their own.

It looks like Jeremy Jacquet is closing in on a debut - but asking the 21-year-old to play an entire season next to Virgil van Dijk is a stretch.

£26m Giovanni Leoni meanwhile is still not back in full training having suffered an ACL injury towards the start of last season.

The Merseysiders therefore are crying out for a new centre-back and - preferably - one who can slot in at right-back when needed.

Liverpool have got buyback option on Quansah

Right there is Jarell Quansah - the 23-year-old who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen for a £35m fee last summer.

The England international has established himself at the heart of the Leverkusen backline and is an option for Thomas Tuchel at full-back.

Richard Hughes agreed a buyback in the deal that took the Warringtonian to Germany. And - as we previously reported - personal terms are already in place for a return to Anfield.

The clause sits at £55m in 2027 per reports and Liverpool could sign Quansah for £70m during this transfer period.

Liverpool have got no plans to sign Quansah

That may well be an ideal solution to the current problems facing Iraola - but according to a report on BBC Sport there are NO new plans to re-sign Quansah this year.

“They have a buyback clause with Jarell Quansah, who left for Bayer Leverkusen for £35m last July, but there are no current plans for Quansah to return,” the report reads.

We could see Quansah come back to Anfield next summer instead. By then Van Dijk and Gomez will be out of contract - with Liverpool needing to add experience and quality to the centre-back ranks.

It may seem short-sighted for Richard Hughes to avoid paying for Quansah this summer. Liverpool’s issues are profound and getting the right cover in could define their season.