Over the past decade, the Spanish giants have repeatedly turned to France’s elite academy system when searching for future stars. That strategy began paying off years ago and has since shaped their recruitment philosophy, with young prospects identified early and monitored closely before major moves are considered.
Over the past decade, the Spanish giants have repeatedly turned to France’s elite academy system when searching for future stars. That strategy began paying off years ago and has since shaped their recruitment philosophy, with young prospects identified early and monitored closely before major moves are considered.
That approach previously delivered strong returns. A teenage Raphael Varane became a defensive cornerstone, while later investments followed in players developing within the French top flight. Even global icons were tracked long before reaching stardom, reflecting a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. An earlier attempt to secure Leny Yoro also underlined that commitment, despite failing to reach an agreement.
Another name has now emerged from Ligue 1. Rennes stopper Jeremy Jacquet has become a focus for Madrid’s talent spotters, who have attended several of his matches. According to RadioMarca, feedback from those assessments has been highly positive.
What has impressed observers most is his composure in possession. Jacquet shows confidence when advancing play, either through direct progression on the ball or by delivering incisive distribution from deep areas. Although tied to his current club until 2029, the belief in Spain is that negotiations would be achievable if interest turns concrete.
Interest in the defender is not new. Previous windows saw clubs from England and Saudi Arabia monitoring his situation, suggesting any future deal would not go uncontested. Even so, Madrid’s hierarchy have consistently avoided inflated auctions, preferring calculated moves that align with their sporting model.
The timing of this interest is also significant. Injuries have disrupted the defensive unit, with key figures spending long spells sidelined. Others appear to be approaching the end of their stay, while younger internal options have yet to earn full confidence from the coaching staff. Against that backdrop, targeting another emerging centre-back fits neatly into plans to refresh the back line for the coming seasons.
