Liverpool urged to IGNORE €50m wonderkids in favour of academy star

Cameron Smith

• 18 Mar 2024 13:29 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool fans believe their club doesn’t need to sign a new superstar centre-back due to the emergence of Jarell Quansah.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at League One side Bristol Rovers and he has been slowly embedded into the senior set-up at Anfield this term.

Joel Matip’s ACL injury earlier this campaign promoted Quansah to third-choice centre-back and he has regularly featured in Ibrahima Konate’s absence in recent weeks.

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Quansah stood out during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw versus Manchester City last week and he was once again impressive against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, despite Liverpool’s late defeat.

The Englishman has been frequently compared to Virgil van Dijk this season and the Dutchman’s best attributes are certainly visible in Quansah’s style of play.

He glides across the pitch like Van Dijk, is aerially dominant and possesses incredible ability on the ball. Quansah is a fantastic talent and Liverpool fans have shared their appreciation for the youngster in the aftermath of their FA Cup exit.

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One supporter even posted on X: “Quansah has played less than 10 Premier League games, and I'm not even slightly nervous seeing him play at Old Trafford or against City in a title race. People rave over all these fancy young CB's in Europe, we've got the best about an he's from the academy. Ridiculous talent.”

Do Liverpool need a new centre-back?

With Matip set to leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a variety of new centre-backs ahead of the window.

Goncalo Inacio, William Pacho, Antonio Silva and Piero Hincapie have all emerged as potential options, with all four players set to cost in excess of €50 million.

However, Liverpool already have Van Dijk’s replacement and Konate’s future partner at the club - in the form of Quansah.

Competition for places is vital, but Quansah has done enough to justify a regular place in the team next season and signing a centre-back willing to play a bit-part role like Matip may be a wise choice in order to prioritise their academy star.