Liverpool have reportedly made a decision on the future of Jarell Quansah amid talk of Newcastle United considering a move for the centre-back this summer.
The Magpies are said to be plotting a £30m swoop for the defender ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window, having struggled for starts over Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk this season.
Quansah has turned out 22 times in all competitions for Arne Slot's side this season, but he has only started twice in the Premier League, most recently against Newcastle United in December.
The 2003-born Englishman did make the first XI for the opening game of the season against Ipswich Town too, but he was memorably hauled off at half time for Konate, who has been Van Dijk's first-choice partner since.
The prospective sale of Quansah would go down as pure profit on Liverpool's financial records, and they would be in a strong negotiating position given that his contract runs until 2029 with the option of a further year.
Liverpool 'planning for next season' with Quansah
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However, The Athletic claims that the Reds are planning for the 2025-26 season with Quansah on the books and do not intend to let the 22-year-old depart in the next few months.
Despite only starting totalling 286 minutes of Premier League action this season, Quansah is apparently still a 'big part' of Slot's plans for the future, as evidenced by the Dutchman's approval of a new five-year contract for the defender in October.
Newcastle are said to have made an approach to sign the 22-year-old in June, when they valued him at £50m, but they were given the cold shoulder by the Reds before turning their attention to Joe Gomez.
Gomez and Anthony Gordon were due to head in opposite directions in a gargantuan swap deal, only for Newcastle to back out of the deal as they pursued other transfers which would have greater benefit for their PSR situation.
Quansah has now registered three goals and three assists in 55 games for Liverpool and was included in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad this month, but he is yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions.
Are Liverpool making the right decision with Quansah?
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If there is one area of the field where Liverpool arguably cannot afford to lose any more players, it is the heart of defence, and keeping Quansah on the books is surely the best move for all involved.
The 22-year-old might not have forced his way above Van Dijk and Konate in the pecking order yet, but he has also demonstrated his versatility by playing as a right-back, and he could expect a few more starts between now and the end of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is still sidelined with an injury, while Conor Bradley is also working his way back from a hamstring problem, allowing Quansah to start the recent EFL Cup final loss to Newcastle too.
Bradley is working his way back to full fitness, but there are no guarantees that he will be fit for the Merseyside derby on April 2, so Quansah should be primed for a starting role against Everton.
The 2003-born defender will also be expected to step up next season in the absence of Alexander-Arnold, who is now said to have given Real Madrid his word over a summer move.
Ben Knapton
