In a major boost to their long-term defensive planning, Liverpool have won the race to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, beating off stiff competition from Chelsea to secure the 20-year-old French prospect for a fee of up to £60 million ($82 million), British media confirmed on Monday.
The Anfield club has reportedly agreed to pay an initial £55 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-based add-ons, making this one of the most significant investments in a young defender by Liverpool in recent years. However, the transfer comes with a twist: Jacquet will not join Arne Slot’s squad until the end of the current season, remaining at Rennes to complete his development before beginning life in the Premier League next summer.
Why Jacquet Chose Liverpool Over Chelsea
Just weeks ago, Jacquet was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, who have been aggressively targeting young talent as part of their squad rebuild under new management. But sources suggest the French defender was wary of joining a Blues backline already packed with options — a scenario that could have limited his playing time and stunted his growth.
In stark contrast, Liverpool’s defensive roster presents a clear pathway to first-team football. With only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté currently fit and available at centre-back — and with Joe Gomez and rising prospect Giovanni Leone sidelined by injury — Anfield’s need is acute. Even more pressing, Konaté’s contract runs out this summer, leaving his future uncertain, while Van Dijk, now 34, is entering the twilight of his career.
For a young defender eager to make his mark, Liverpool offers more than just prestige — it offers opportunity.
The Making of a Modern Defender
Jeremy Jacquet, a French Under-21 international, burst onto the scene last season with Rennes, quickly establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most composed and technically gifted young defenders. Standing at 6’2”, he combines physical presence with intelligent positioning, comfort on the ball, and the pace required to operate in a high defensive line — all qualities that align perfectly with Liverpool’s preferred style under Slot.
Despite only 31 senior appearances to his name, Jacquet has already shown maturity beyond his years. His ability to read the game, distribute accurately under pressure, and step into midfield during build-up play has drawn comparisons to a younger version of Wesley Fofana or even a more agile Raphael Varane.
Scouts across Europe have taken notice, but it is Liverpool who have moved decisively to secure his signature — a testament to their evolving recruitment strategy, which increasingly targets young talent with high ceilings.
A Strategic Move for the Future
While Liverpool fans may be eager to see immediate reinforcements given the current injury crisis in defence, the decision to delay Jacquet’s arrival until next season makes strategic sense. It allows the player to consolidate his development in Ligue 1 while giving Liverpool time to assess other potential short-term solutions for the remainder of the season.
Moreover, it avoids the risk of throwing a 20-year-old into the relentless pace of the Premier League mid-season. By joining in pre-season, Jacquet will have time to adapt to the tactical demands of English football, integrate with his teammates, and arrive physically prepared for a full campaign.
What This Means for Liverpool
This signing signals a shift in Liverpool’s transfer philosophy — one that balances immediate needs with long-term planning. With Van Dijk’s contract extension uncertain and Konaté potentially departing, the club cannot afford to neglect its defensive core.
Jacquet’s arrival could lay the foundation for a new era at the heart of Liverpool’s backline. Paired with a possible new signing or an emerging academy player like Leone in the coming years, the Reds are positioning themselves to maintain defensive excellence well into the 2030s.
It also underscores Liverpool’s growing appeal to elite young talent — not just for their history and global fanbase, but for their clear development pathway and competitive ambitions under Arne Slot.
The Road Ahead
Jeremy Jacquet’s journey from Rennes to Anfield marks another exciting chapter in Liverpool’s evolution. While supporters will have to wait a few more months to see him in red, the promise he brings is undeniable.
For the Reds, this isn’t just a transfer — it’s an investment in the future. And if Jacquet fulfills his potential, that £60 million could prove to be one of the club’s smartest signings in a generation.
Welcome to Liverpool, Jeremy. The Kop can’t wait to sing your name.
