Liverpool Agree £60m Deal for Jeremy Jacquet Ahead of Summer Move
Liverpool have reached a full agreement to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60 million, with the defender expected to complete his medical in England before returning to France and officially joining the Reds in the summer.
The agreement includes a £55m fixed fee plus £5m in performance-related add-ons, and the 20-year-old France Under-21 international is set to sign a five-year contract until 2031, with an option for a further year.
Why Liverpool Moved Now — And Why Chelsea Pulled Back
Chelsea were strong contenders for Jacquet’s signature and had offered similar financial terms. However, the London club changed their plans in the final 48 hours, after deciding to recall Mamadou Sarr from loan and retain Josh Acheampong, leaving their squad overcrowded with young centre-backs.
This opened the door for Liverpool to secure the deal, effectively hijacking Chelsea’s move for one of Ligue 1’s most promising young defenders.
A Deal Shaped by Liverpool’s Defensive Crisis
Liverpool’s pursuit of Jacquet reflects a growing defensive shortage at Anfield. While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remain the only fit senior centre-backs, Conor Bradley is out for the season and Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined for several weeks, intensifying the need for reinforcements.
Most critically, Konaté’s contract expires this summer, meaning Liverpool face the real possibility of losing a first-choice defender on a free transfer, a financial risk the club is determined not to repeat.
Second Most Expensive Defender in Liverpool History
If the add-ons are triggered, Jacquet will become Liverpool’s second most expensive defender of all time, behind only Virgil van Dijk. The fee underlines how highly Liverpool rate his long-term potential despite his young age and relatively limited top-level experience.
The Reds had previously targeted Marc Guéhi last summer, only for Manchester City to sign him in January. Jacquet has now emerged as Liverpool’s preferred solution in central defence.
Loan-Back Decision and Failed Emergency Options
Despite the immediate need for cover, Liverpool have agreed to loan Jacquet back to Rennes until the end of the season, with the French club currently pushing for European qualification.
The club also explored a short-term solution by attempting to loan Lutsharel Geertruida, a player familiar to head coach Arne Slot from Feyenoord. However, negotiations proved too complex, forcing Liverpool to focus instead on securing a long-term defensive cornerstone.
Jacquet’s Rise at Rennes
A product of Rennes’ academy, Jacquet has made 18 senior appearances this season and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championship. His blend of athleticism, aerial strength and composure in possession has marked him out as one of France’s standout young defenders.
His development accelerated after a successful loan spell in the second division before returning to establish himself in Rennes’ first team under Habib Beye.
Expert Reaction: Surprise and High Praise
Former England international Paul Merson admitted he was stunned by the timing of the deal, saying: “I’m majorly shocked. With that kind of money, you want him now.”
Rennes head coach Habib Beye underlined the importance of keeping Jacquet for the remainder of the campaign, stating: “If we let him go this season, we’ll have to downgrade our goals.”
Meanwhile, French football analyst Julien Laurens described the defender as “the real deal”, comparing his trajectory to that of William Saliba and Wesley Fofana during their early breakthroughs in Ligue 1.
Long-Term Investment at a Crucial Moment
Although Liverpool supporters will not see Jacquet in red until the summer, the deal signals a decisive shift in recruitment strategy. Rather than seeking a short-term fix, the club have committed major funds to a defender they believe can anchor their back line for the next decade — at a time when contract uncertainty, injuries and squad depth concerns have made defensive planning more urgent than ever.
With the paperwork close to completion, Liverpool have secured not just a signing, but a statement of intent about the future shape of their defence.
