Liverpool are actively looking to find a loan move for academy centre-back Jarell Quansah during the January transfer window.
That’s according to The Athletic. They report that the Reds are ‘keen’ for the 19-year-old to get some ‘senior experience’ under his belt.
Following Billy Koumetio’s return to the club from his own loan spell, the U21s are said to have ‘plenty of cover’ at centre-back. As a result, Liverpool are reportedly ‘considering their options’ for Quansah. A move to the Football League looks likely.
It’s claimed that fellow academy players Jake Cain and James Norris are also set to depart this month. Preston North End and Bristol Rovers are mentioned as possible destinations.
Finding the right club for Quansah
This would look like a good decision for Liverpool heading into the second half of the season.
Quansah has long been seen as a potential option for the first-team in the future. His displays for England U19s at last summer’s European Championships only served to underline this. U21s coach Barry Lewtas has hailed his progress as ‘brilliant’ via The Athletic.
But right now, there’s no clear pathway through to the first team. With Koumetio another likely to be ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s best he moves on for now.
As it did with Sepp van den Berg last season, a move to Preston could prove to be the answer here.
Van den Berg came on leaps and bounds during his 18 months at Deepdale and is now playing at a higher level.
If Quansah can have a similar trajectory, maybe he can put himself in the window for a first-team spot next season.
With Nat Phillips likely to finally leave the club, there could be a spot available as fifth-choice. Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip starting to age a little means that there will be positions up for grabs in the long-term, too.
A good loan move could be the start of that process for Quansah. Liverpool have a mixed history when it comes to choosing the right clubs to move to. Let’s hope Jarell finds himself a team where he can flourish immediately.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
