Jarell Quansah’s move from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen last July made sense at the time. The academy graduate was blocked by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, so a £35 million switch offered regular football and a clear pathway to grow.

Liverpool have since felt the impact of losing him. Joe Gomez has battled fitness issues, and the plan to replace Quansah quickly went wrong when Giovanni Leoni suffered a season ending ACL injury on his debut. Depth has suddenly become a real concern.

In Germany, Quansah has taken off. He has made 32 appearances in all competitions, scored four times, and earned his senior England debut last November. That form has naturally sparked talk of a return to Anfield.

The rumours also have fuel because Liverpool’s centre back picture is not fully stable. Van Dijk turns 35 in July, Konate could leave for free with his deal running down, and Gomez has been linked with a summer move, with AC Milan mentioned.

Quansah’s Leverkusen contract includes a buyback clause worth around £52 million, and it is understood to be valid this summer. Even so, the latest line is that Liverpool have taken no steps to activate it and are not planning to bring him back in the coming window.

That stance makes more sense when you look at the wider plan. Liverpool are already set to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a deal that could reach £60 million with add ons, and Leoni is expected back next season. Quansah remains a long term option, but for now, a quick reunion is not on the agenda.