Strictly Liverpool

Tag: Bayer Leverkusen

Jarrel Quansah Scores on Leverkusen Debut, Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota

Jarrel Quansah made a dream start at Bayer Leverkusen, scoring just six minutes into his Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim.

The 22-year-old defender paid tribute to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota by mimicking his famous ‘gamer’ celebration.

Quansah joined Leverkusen this summer in a deal worth up to £35 million, leaving Liverpool after nearly 17 years. He had already impressed in pre-season matches, scoring against Fortuna Sittard.

Playing as the right-sided centre-back in a back three, Quansah rose to meet a curled free-kick from Alex Grimaldo and headed it into the net to give his side the early lead. His performance showed both defensive skill and attacking threat.

Despite the goal, Hoffenheim fought back and eventually won 2-1. Quansah still stood out, winning key duels and showing he can play a big role for Leverkusen this season under Erik ten Hag.

Fans were moved by his tribute to Jota and impressed with his strong debut. Quansah looks ready to make a big impact in Germany this season.

August 24, 2025
Tyler Morton joins Lyon from Liverpool for £15 million

Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has sealed a permanent transfer to Lyon for a fee of £15 million.

The 22-year-old finalised the move on Tuesday, ending a 15-year association with the Reds after progressing through the club’s academy ranks.

Morton made 14 senior appearances for Liverpool after debuting in a Carabao Cup tie at Norwich City in September 2021. He featured in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup under Jurgen Klopp during his breakout season, but struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team option.

Loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City followed, with the midfielder earning praise for his maturity and passing range in the Championship. He returned to Liverpool last summer and made five appearances in 2024–25 as Arne Slot’s side lifted the Premier League title.

Tyler Morton joins Lyon from Liverpool for £15 million

He also played a key role in England’s U21 squad earlier this summer, helping Lee Carsley’s side win the European Championship in Slovakia.

The move comes amid Lyon’s successful appeal against relegation due to financial issues. The French club were reinstated to the top flight last month and have moved quickly to bolster its squad.

Morton’s departure follows the £35 million sale of fellow academy graduate Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, as Liverpool continues to navigate the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. The club has spent over £250 million on new signings this summer following last season’s title win.

August 5, 2025
Liverpool Pre-Season 2025-26: Fixtures, Tours, Squad & How to Watch
Liverpool Pre-Season 2025-26 is officially underway as Arne Slot and his team prepare for a packed summer schedule of six matches across four weeks.

After lifting the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, Slot is now tasked with defending the crown and mounting a serious challenge in the Champions League. But his second season has started in difficult circumstances, with the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother André in a car accident in Spain.

The Reds have carefully planned their return, and after holding discussions with players, staff, and Preston North End, it has been agreed that their first Liverpool Pre-Season 2025-26 game will go ahead as scheduled. The friendly at Deepdale on Sunday, July 13, will include tributes to Jota, Liverpool’s No. 20, who was preparing to rejoin the team before the tragedy.

Liverpool Pre-Season 2025-26 – Fixtures & Tour Details

Liverpool will play six matches before the new league campaign begins. After facing Preston, the squad will return to the AXA Training Centre for more training before heading to Asia on July 21. There, they will take on AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan as part of a short commercial tour.

They will then return to Anfield for a rare double-header against Spanish side Athletic Club on August 4, with two games on the same day, one at 5 pm and the other at 8 pm. These matches could be the first time fans see Liverpool in their new Adidas kits, with the deal officially starting on August 1. Until then, the team is expected to wear last season’s Nike kits.

Liverpool’s final pre-season game in the Liverpool Pre-Season 2025-26 schedule is against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10. Although it is a competitive match, it also serves as the final warm-up before the Premier League season begins

Full Pre-Season Schedule
- July 13: Preston North End (A)
- July 21: Squad flies to Asia
- July 26: AC Milan (Hong Kong)
- July 30: Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
- August 4: Athletic Club (Anfield – 5 pm & 8 pm)
- August 10: Crystal Palace (Community Shield – Wembley)
- August 15: Bournemouth (Premier League opener – Anfield)
Transfers & Squad Changes

It’s been a summer of big changes at Anfield. The most high-profile exit so far is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid in a deal completed before the Club World Cup. Caoimhin Kelleher has left for Brentford, and Jarell Quansah has moved to Bayer Leverkusen.

On the incoming side, Liverpool have moved quickly to fill gaps. Jeremie Frimpong has arrived to take Trent’s place at right-back, and Milos Kerkez strengthens the left side of defence. But the biggest signing is undoubtedly Florian Wirtz, who joins from Leverkusen after a stunning season under Xabi Alonso with 16 goals and 14 assists. His arrival is a Premier League record signing.

There are still questions around Darwin Nunez, who has interest from Serie A, and Luis Diaz, who has spoken about his future amid links to Barcelona. More outgoings are expected in the coming weeks.

How To Watch Liverpool’s Pre-Season Games

Liverpool’s pre-season games will be shown live on All Red Video, the club’s official video platform (formerly LFCTV GO).

The first match against Preston on Sunday, July 13, kicks off at 3 pm BST, with live coverage from 2:15 pm. It will also be available on LFCTV via Sky and Virgin in the UK.

All other pre-season games will also be streamed live on All Red Video. New members can sign up with the first month free and cancel anytime.

With a tough title defence ahead, plus a return to the Champions League, Slot will want to use pre-season to sharpen his squad and settle the new signings. While the mood has been understandably heavy since Jota’s passing, the club remains united and determined to move forward in his honour.

The Premier League season begins on Friday, August 15, when Liverpool hosts Bournemouth at Anfield under the lights.
July 13, 2025
Jarell Quansah completes £30m move to Bayer Leverkusen

Jarell Quansah has completed a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £35m.

The 22-year-old centre-back impressed for England at the recent Under-21 Euros but struggled for minutes at Liverpool last season.

He made 13 appearances in all competitions, including just four Premier League starts, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté forming the preferred partnership under Arne Slot.

Liverpool will receive £30m guaranteed from Leverkusen, with a further £5m in potential add-ons. Despite letting him go, the Reds see Quansah as a player with big potential and have inserted a buy-back clause into the agreement.

The transfer is the third deal between the two clubs this summer. Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen, with Wirtz becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Quansah only signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool in October, but the club have now decided to cash in, with plans to strengthen the defence.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi is one of the names on Liverpool’s radar. The 24-year-old has just one year left on his deal, but Palace are still asking for £65m. That price would need to come down for Liverpool to make a move.

July 2, 2025
“I Don’t See Where He Fits In” – Steve Nicol Questions Frimpong’s Role At Liverpool

Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Liverpool has brought plenty of excitement, but former Reds defender Steve Nicol isn’t fully convinced about how he fits into the team.

The Dutch international joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen this summer after helping them win the Bundesliga title. Known for his pace and attacking runs, Frimpong is expected to give Arne Slot more options on the right side of the pitch.

However, speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol questioned whether Frimpong’s style would work in Liverpool’s current system.

“If Salah’s not fit, then Frimpong starts where Salah plays,” Nicol said. “I’m interested to see what Arne Slot wants him to do. Because right now, in my head, I’m thinking, ‘Is he going to get in Salah’s way?’ That’s what I’m thinking.”

Nicol also raised concerns about Frimpong’s defensive ability, comparing it to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Defensively, it’s not good, just the same as Trent. He’s not that good a defender,” Nicol added. “But going forward, he’s got different attributes to what Trent had. Again, I keep ending up at the same thing — is he going to get in Salah’s way?”

He went on to say that if everyone is fit, he believes Conor Bradley should start ahead of Frimpong.

“I think absolutely if everybody’s fit, Bradley starts. I don’t think Frimpong starts. I don’t see where he fits in, I really don’t.”

June 24, 2025
“It’s Big Shoes” – Frimpong On Replacing Trent At Liverpool

Jeremie Frimpong knows exactly what he’s stepping into at Liverpool, and he’s not backing down from the challenge.

The Dutch international has joined the Reds in a £29.5m move from Bayer Leverkusen, arriving on the same day Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid was confirmed. While not seen as a direct replacement in style, Frimpong is expected to compete for the right-back position in Arne Slot’s new-look team.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Frimpong said:

“It’s big shoes, but it’s Liverpool. It’s a big team who win trophies for a reason. If you play for Liverpool, you have to fill in the shoes and perform. I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’ll bring.”

Frimpong is expected to battle with Conor Bradley for a starting spot next season, with both full-backs offering pace and energy down the right.

Asked about returning to England, the Manchester-born defender said:

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I grew up in Manchester, so I always wanted to come back. It was always the plan. I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen, so joining a champion team is a privilege, especially for Liverpool.”

“To go from watching them to playing for them is crazy. The manager has told me how I can help the team, and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.”

With big boots to fill and the confidence to do it, Frimpong is ready to make his mark at Anfield

June 23, 2025
“He Doesn’t Crumble” – Frimpong Tips Wirtz To Thrive At Liverpool

Jeremie Frimpong has tipped Florian Wirtz to become a fan favourite at Liverpool following the German’s record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen.

The two players reunite at Anfield after Liverpool paid a combined £150m to bring the duo to Merseyside this summer, Wirtz arriving for £116m and Frimpong for £29.5m.

Frimpong, speaking to Sky Sports News, couldn’t hide his admiration for his former teammate:
“He’s my boy. He’s a winner – a very, very special player and very hard working. The league will love him.

“I won’t have to talk much, just watch him. He doesn’t crumble under pressure; he likes pressure. He’s a guy that makes you enjoy football with the way he plays.”

Wirtz is Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time and arrives with huge expectations after a stunning season at Leverkusen, but Frimpong is confident he will handle the spotlight with ease.

The Dutchman is also excited about his own move back to the Premier League and says it’s been a long time coming.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I grew up in Manchester, so I always wanted to come back. It was always the plan.”

“I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen, so joining a champion team is a privilege, especially for Liverpool. To go from watching them to playing for them is crazy.”

“The manager has told me how I can help the team, and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.”

June 23, 2025
Florian Wirtz Reveals How Arne Slot Won Him Over To Join Liverpool

Florian Wirtz has revealed how Liverpool boss Arne Slot helped convince him to make the biggest move of his career.

The German international completed a club-record £100m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen this week, with an additional £16m in performance-based add-ons included in the deal. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Anfield and becomes the Reds’ most expensive signing ever.

Wirtz attracted serious interest from Bayern Munich and other top clubs, but Liverpool moved quickly to secure his signature, and Slot’s early conversations made the difference.

“The conversations were always really good,” Wirtz said. “I can remember the first time [we met], he already showed me some scenes and how he wants to play, how I could fit in the team.

“He was just telling me I’m a player he really wants to have in his team, and I can bring the team a step forward. I could just imagine it would be good to be in the team and to make it better.

“I have to make my performances every week, but I’m here for this.”

Wirtz also spoke about why he felt the time was right to leave Germany and why Liverpool was the right next step.

“I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step,” he said. “And of course, I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world. In my opinion, Liverpool is one of them.

“I just saw myself in the best hands in Liverpool. I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything the club offers me was really good.

“Every time I spoke to someone from the club, I felt like, ‘this is the place I want to be.’ In the end, I was really 100 per cent convinced I want to join Liverpool. It was the best choice.”

Wirtz is expected to join the squad for pre-season next month after a short break

June 21, 2025
Florian Wirtz Reveals Why He Joined Liverpool

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record deal worth up to £116 million.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a five-year contract, becoming the Reds’ biggest-ever signing and one of the most high-profile arrivals of the summer across Europe.

Wirtz spoke about the move with clear excitement, saying he felt the time was right to take the next step in his career.

“I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step,” he explained. “I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world, and in my opinion, Liverpool was one of them.”

He described his decision to join Liverpool as one that came from a deep sense of conviction. “I just saw myself in the best hands in Liverpool. I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything the club offers me was really good,” he added. “And in the end, it was also easy to be excited for me to come to Liverpool.”

Leaving Germany wasn’t an easy decision for the midfielder, who has 31 caps for his country, but he admitted that conversations with the Liverpool hierarchy made a huge impression.

“It was not that easy for me, for sure, because I am a German player, I play for the Germany national team,” he said. “But I think the talks with the coach and Richard [Hughes] and everybody were, from the very first time, so good and it just kept going like this.”

He continued: “Every time I spoke to someone from the club, I felt like, ‘this is the place I want to be’ – and in the end I was really 100 per cent convinced I want to join Liverpool. It was the best choice.”

Wirtz also made it clear that he hasn’t come to Anfield just to settle, he’s here to win. “I would like to win everything every year,” he said. “Last season they won the Premier League, so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious.”

The midfielder arrives off the back of a stunning season in Germany, where he scored 16 goals and assisted 15 more in 45 appearances. In total, he played 197 times for Leverkusen, with 57 goals and 65 assists to his name.

Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s second signing from Leverkusen this summer after Jeremie Frimpong, and joins new additions including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and £40 million left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

He will now return to Germany for a short break before linking up with his new teammates for pre-season in July.

June 21, 2025
Florian Wirtz Completes £116m Move To Liverpool

Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, in a deal that could rise to a British record fee.

The Reds will pay an initial £100 million ($136m), with a further £16 million ($22m) in add-ons agreed between the clubs. Talks with Bayer Leverkusen had dragged on for weeks, but an agreement was finally reached last week, allowing the 21-year-old to complete his medical and sign a long-term contract.

Wirtz, who scored 16 goals and registered 15 assists last season under Xabi Alonso, played a huge role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title run and has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in Europe.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official channels, Wirtz said:

“I feel very happy and very proud. Finally, it’s done. I was waiting for a long time, and I am really happy. I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was a big point for me – I wanted something new, to step out of the Bundesliga and test myself in the Premier League.”

“I spoke with some players who’ve played here, and they told me it’s perfect for my game. Every pitch is top quality, and every match is enjoyable. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Wirtz has also made it clear that he’s coming to win more trophies:

“Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League. Of course, I want to win it again – and go further in the Champions League. I’m really ambitious and I want to help this club stay at the top.”

Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. His arrival adds more creativity and goal threat to Arne Slot’s midfield, and fans will be eager to see how he settles in.

The deal was first reported by top sources, including David Ornstein of The Athletic and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

June 20, 2025