---
title: "Liverpool handed major setback as “special” former star has reservations about Anfield return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-handed-major-setback-as-exciting-former-star-has-reservations-about-anfield-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Liverpool Transfer Rumours"
published: "2026-10-09T14:53:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-09T14:53:00Z"
---

# Liverpool handed major setback as “special” former star has reservations about Anfield return

[Liverpool](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-rumours/) have made several changes to their squad over the past year, but questions remain over their long-term defensive plans as they look to maintain their position among the Premier League’s leading clubs.

With Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stages of his career and some [uncertainty surrounding the club’s future defensive options](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-news-jeremy-jacquet-van-dijk-heir-heskey/), Liverpool could look to bring in another centre-back in the coming transfer windows.

One former star has emerged as a potential solution, particularly after impressing since leaving Anfield in search of regular first-team football.

However, despite Liverpool retaining an option to bring him back, the defender may not be as keen on a reunion as the club would hope.

## **Jarell Quansah has Reservations about Liverpool Return**

[According to Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool/transfers/jarell-quansah-has-reservations-about-liverpool-return), Jarell Quansah has reservations about returning to Liverpool, despite the club retaining a £59.5 million buy-back clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old – [once described as “special” by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cpvrzdwwxreo) – left his boyhood club in 2025 after struggling to secure a regular starting role. He made just four Premier League starts during the 2024/25 campaign before deciding to move to Germany, where he has since made significant progress.

Quansah’s performances for Leverkusen have helped him establish himself as an England international, with his development attracting interest from several major European clubs. Real Madrid and Chelsea are among those reportedly monitoring his situation, while Arsenal have also been linked with the defender.

Football Insider reports that Quansah is reluctant to return to Anfield because of the difficulties he previously experienced when trying to break into Liverpool’s first team. Having made the move abroad to secure more consistent playing time, the centre-back is understood to favour a fresh challenge rather than a return to Merseyside.

That presents a potential problem for Liverpool, who retain the option to re-sign their former academy graduate for £59.5 million. However, the clause is due to expire in June 2027, meaning the club have a limited window in which to activate it.

Liverpool continue to monitor Quansah’s progress, but a deal would depend not only on the club’s willingness to meet the terms of the clause, but also on the player’s own ambitions.

The defender’s rise since leaving England demonstrates why Liverpool may be tempted to bring him back. His ability to operate at centre-back and right-back offers useful versatility, while his growing international experience suggests he has developed considerably since his departure.

Nevertheless, with interest from elsewhere and Quansah reportedly unconvinced by the prospect of returning, Liverpool may have to look at alternative defensive targets if they decide against pursuing the buy-back option.