Liverpool’s Bold Backline Reset: Will a Recall from Leverkusen Stabilize the Defense?
9 February 2026
Liverpool's Defensive Dilemma Returns
After letting him go last summer, Liverpool find themselves back at square one, trying to repair a tactical decision that has cost them defensively, as the backline has grown fragile this season.
A Recall, A Clause, And A Long-Term Plan
The latest defeat to Manchester City at Anfield wasn't a mere stumble; it reopened the fragile defense file, after it became clear that losing a few young players left a gap that hasn't been filled.
Football Insider reported that Liverpool's hierarchy have begun active moves to recall defender Jarrell Quansah, who left for Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal around 35 million pounds, after manager Arne Slot gave the green light to his departure.
According to the piece, Liverpool hold a contractual clause that would allow a recall, but activation won't be possible before 2027, with a pre-agreed fee already set with the German club, underscoring the Reds' intent to be ready to correct the decision.
Quansah was among the players trusted by Jurgen Klopp in his final season (2023-24), appearing in 25 matches across competitions during the league title run, but his departure opened a clear weakness in the defense, which has been evident this season.
The pressure grows as talks to renew Ibrahima Konaté's contract stall and captain Virgil van Dijk, now 34, shows signs of aging, pushing the club to inject fresh blood rather than rely on stopgap solutions.
Bringing back Quansah, now 23, would be a long-term strategic move to restore defensive balance, alongside 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who is still in recovery from an ACL injury suffered on his Liverpool debut.
Punchline 1: If defending were an Olympic sport, Liverpool would still be waiting for the gold—and the coach would be applauding the scoreboard.
Punchline 2: The backline is so porous that even the goalposts filed a complaint. Time to install a plumber, not a trainer.
