Liverpool has officially completed the signing of defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal valued at £60m. The France Under-21 international has signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional year at Anfield. The transfer was confirmed on Wednesday, following an initial agreement made in January.
The deal for the 20-year-old centre-back includes an initial fee of £55m, with a potential £5m in performance-related add-ons. Jacquet had undergone a medical with Liverpool on Deadline Day in February but remained in France for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. His acquisition aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of identifying and recruiting emerging elite talent, as the average age of their first-team signings over the last two transfer windows has been lower than 22.
Upon his arrival, Jacquet expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I feel really good, the first impressions are good and I am very happy to start here. I am very happy. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started. For me it’s a big dream, it’s a big club. A club like Liverpool, it’s a big dream for me.”
Despite suffering a shoulder injury earlier this year, shortly after the initial agreement in January, Jacquet has successfully completed a rehabilitation programme. He is currently engaged in individual fitness work and is expected to be available for the start of pre-season training under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Liverpool players are scheduled to return on 14 July before travelling to the US on 20 July for a pre-season tour.
Jacquet’s Role and Squad Integration
Jacquet will join Liverpool’s first-team squad as one of the centre-back options. He will play alongside experienced defenders such as club captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, as well as Giovanni Leoni. This move comes after Ibrahima Konate departed the club to join Real Madrid when his contract expired this summer.
The 20-year-old defender was a sought-after talent, with Chelsea reportedly offering the same deal as Liverpool, and Bayern Munich also showing interest. However, Jacquet ultimately chose to move to Anfield. His decision highlights Liverpool’s ability to attract top young prospects despite competition from other major European clubs.
Jacquet came through the Rennes academy and made 33 appearances for the French Ligue 1 side. His former coach, Habib Beye, reportedly stated that allowing Jacquet to leave earlier would have forced them to downgrade their goals for the season, indicating his importance to the Rennes squad.
Expert Opinion and Comparison
French football expert Julien Laurens described Jacquet as “the real deal,” despite his young age and lack of experience in the Champions League or Europa League. Laurens noted Jacquet’s impressive performance last season, particularly after his return from a loan spell in the second division. He drew comparisons between Jacquet and other prominent young defenders like William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, highlighting the significant potential and talent that Liverpool has invested in.
European football expert Kevin Hatchard also weighed in on Jacquet’s potential, identifying him as a “rising star.” Hatchard pointed out that Jacquet has captained numerous youth groups for France and possesses the necessary attributes for a modern centre-back, including being good on the ball, having a strong passing range, athleticism, and aerial ability. However, Hatchard also noted that Jacquet does not have an extensive record of top-level football, suggesting that his talent is largely based on potential rather than proven experience at the highest level.
The signing of Jacquet is part of Liverpool’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate their squad and secure talent for the future. The club is also monitoring the fitness of Giovanni Leoni, whose first season at Anfield was affected by an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained on his debut. While no specific return date has been set for Leoni, Liverpool anticipates his involvement in pre-season at some point.
Jacquet’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to Andoni Iraola’s defensive options as Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season. The club’s focus on acquiring young, high-potential players like Jacquet underscores their long-term vision for squad development and success.
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Source: skysports.com