Real Madrid are considering a move for England defender Jarell Quansah as Jose Mourinho plans for the eventual departure of Antonio Rudiger.
The Spanish club are expected to be active in the January transfer market, with Mourinho seeking further reinforcements in several areas of his squad. The experienced Portuguese coach was heavily backed during the summer, including in the club-record signing of Yan Diomande, and Real Madrid’s hierarchy are prepared to support him again.
Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate all joined Real Madrid in July. However, Mourinho is already looking beyond the current campaign, with Rudiger’s contract due to expire in June 2027.
Mourinho wants two players for every position, meaning he is looking for another centre-back to add to the options already provided by Konate, Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen. Quansah, who can operate in more than one defensive role, has emerged as a player of interest.
According to Bild, Real Madrid are monitoring the former Liverpool defender, who moved to Bayer Leverkusen from the Premier League club for a club-record fee of €35M after helping England win the 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship.
Liverpool retained a buyback option as part of the deal, while Quansah is contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until 2030. Real Madrid would therefore face negotiations with both the German club and the terms of the defender’s existing agreement.
Quansah’s relationship with Jude Bellingham could also work in Real Madrid’s favour. The pair’s close ties are seen as a possible factor in the Spanish club’s pursuit of the defender.
Real Madrid will continue to watch Quansah over the coming months. If they are unable to agree a deal in January, they could return for him before the 2027/28 season.