Real Madrid is thinking about a surprise January move for an England star just hours after their big loss to Croatia.
Real Madrid are interested in one of Jude Bellingham’s England teammates after their big 7-0 win over Croatia. The England team, known as the Three Lions, played their best game under coach Thomas Tuchel. Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane both scored twice, while Anthony Gordon, Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers also found the net.
This fantastic performance has put some players in the spotlight, and Real Madrid is keeping an eye on one of Tuchel’s stars ahead of the January transfer window.
Jarell Quansah’s place in the England starting lineup ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold surprised some fans before the match. But Quansah, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, proved his worth by setting up Gordon’s goal just before half-time and providing strong defense on the right side, working well with Saka.
Leverkusen fans have seen this kind of great play from Quansah since he joined from Liverpool in 2025. Now, other big European clubs are watching him closely. After leaving Liverpool for €35 million, the 23-year-old has caught the attention of Real Madrid, according to SportBILD.
Bellingham might help convince Quansah to join Real Madrid—just like he helped with Alexander-Arnold—but the club will face tough competition for Quansah’s signature. Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in the versatile English player. Jose Mourinho wants him to play central defense, but Quansah’s skills as a right-back make him even more valuable.
Real Madrid wants to strengthen their central defense before January, especially after letting in eight goals in their first seven La Liga games. They see Quansah as a possible upgrade over Raul Asensio and Antonio Rudiger. However, with his contract at Leverkusen lasting until 2030, the German club is in a strong position to ask for a big transfer fee.
If Quansah moves to Real, he would reunite with Alexander-Arnold, who also came through Liverpool’s academy. They played together 27 times at Liverpool, including when Quansah made his Premier League debut in August 2023 against Newcastle United. He came on in the second half and helped the team secure a 2-1 win. Alexander-Arnold praised him, saying, “Jarell Quansah was absolutely phenomenal in his first game for us. Coming on in such a big atmosphere and holding his own like that was outstanding.”
Right now, Tuchel prefers to start Quansah as a right-back for England instead of Alexander-Arnold because of Quansah’s strong defensive skills. That’s why he started against Spain and Croatia, while Alexander-Arnold played well against Czechia, even assisting Gordon’s goal.