Bayer Leverkusen shortlists Liverpool, Sevilla defenders to replace Tah

Bayer Leverkusen are actively looking to replace defender Jonathan Tah, who recently joined Bayern Munich, by targeting Liverpool's Jarell Quansah and Sevilla's Loic Bade. Quansah, a 22-year-old Liverpool academy graduate, has struggled for playing time under new management and is valued at around £40-50 million, while Bade, 25, is admired for his composure, aerial ability, and experience with the French national team. Leverkusen have also considered AC Milan's Malick Thiaw as a potential replacement but are now pursuing both Quansah and Bade separately from their ongoing negotiations with Liverpool for Florian Wirtz. Bade has impressed in recent seasons and fits Leverkusen's philosophy of playing from the back, having also recently helped France secure third place in the 2024/25 Nations League. The club is expected to open talks with Sevilla soon for Bade, while interest in Quansah may prompt Liverpool to reconsider their stance on his sale amid limited playing opportunities. Both defenders are viewed as fitting into Leverkusen's long-term plan to strengthen and add dynamism to their defensive lineup.