"He could be the future first-choice Liverpool centre-back" - John Barnes tips young Reds star to have a 'bright future' at the club

Liverpool legend John Barnes backed Jarell Quansah to take up a prominent role at the club in the future. The former attacker claimed that while the youngster may not be an immediate starter right away, he had the talent to take over from Virgil van Dijk.

He said (via bettingexpert.com):

"I think Konate is still the first choice next to van Dijk because he's got the experience and the quality but Quansah didn't let anyone down last season. He played with assurance, calmness, and maturity.

"So even if he isn't the first choice next season, in the long term, he's got a bright future and with van Dijk getting older, he could be the future first-choice Liverpool centre-back. With what he's shown, he can be a backup or a starter."

Quansah emerged as a solid rotational option in central defense for Jurgen Klopp's side last season. He made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals, setting up three more and helping keep nine clean sheets.

With van Dijk's future at the club uncertain as his contract expires in the summer of 2025, the 21-year-old and Ibrahima Konate could become key features in defence for Liverpool.

He was named in England's initial 33-man squad for Euros 2024 but failed to make the final cut.

Liverpool manager confirms that the side will make moves in the transfer market

Liverpool manager Arne Slot opened up on the side's transfer activity. Speaking ahead of the Reds' friendly against Real Betis in the US, the Dutchman insisted that they would make the right moves.

He said in a press conference (via BBC):

"We already have a very good team I'm already really happy with."

"But it would be a surprise for all of us I think, if we don't bring any player in. So that will probably happen in the end.

"For now, we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign," he added.

The Merseysiders will begin their pre-season campaign against the Spanish side before facing off against Arsenal, Manchester United and Sevilla. Slot is still evaluating the squad after taking over from Jurgen Klopp, who left the club after eight seasons in charge.

This mirrors Liverpool's last summer window where they made a host of additions, especially in midfield. Over €100 million was spent to bring in the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.