Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a £60m deal, with the highly rated 20 year old arriving in the summer.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the 20 year old set to join the club in the summer. The French centre back has agreed a long-term deal that will run until 2031, with the option of a further year.
Liverpool will pay an initial £55m fee, with a further £5m tied to performance related add ons. The move was completed before the deadline, but Rennes refused to release the player mid-season. Jacquet will remain in Ligue 1 until the campaign concludes.
The agreement follows weeks of quiet negotiations that accelerated over the weekend. Liverpool moved decisively once it became clear the player favoured Anfield. Chelsea had also agreed a fee, but Jacquet opted against that route. Liverpool sources say the project and pathway were decisive factors. Personal terms were not considered an obstacle.
Jacquet has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising defenders this season. He has made 18 league appearances and 31 in all competitions. His aerial strength stands out, winning 75.51 percent of his duels, the highest among Ligue 1 defenders this season. Rennes have relied heavily on him in a back three. Despite his age, he has already captained France at youth level.
Liverpool’s interest is rooted in both need and planning. Injuries have stretched options this season, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined. Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson are also out of contract in the summer. Virgil van Dijk turns 35 later this year. The club see Jacquet as a long-term pillar rather than a short-term fix.
French football expert Julien Laurens believes the profile fits Liverpool’s model. He has described Jacquet as strong, quick and dominant in duels. Laurens also pointed to his calmness on the ball and reading of the game. Technical refinement is still required. Liverpool’s coaching staff believe that can be developed.
There have been learning moments along the way. Jacquet has made three errors leading to shots this season, among the higher totals in Ligue 1. Rennes’ recent 4 0 defeat at Monaco exposed some positional risks. However, Liverpool’s analysts view those moments as part of development. The club value his recovery speed and mentality.
The defender’s journey has been carefully managed. After limited minutes at 18, he was loaned to Clermont in Ligue 2. He returned early and established himself in Rennes’ first team. Last year he was named in the Under 19 Euros team of the tournament. Leadership has been a consistent theme throughout his rise.
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has leaned heavily on youth over the last two windows. The club believe elite potential can deliver both performance and resale value. Jacquet fits that approach in terms of age, profile and trajectory. Internally, comparisons have been drawn with previous Ligue 1 imports. Patience will be required during the adaptation period.
Liverpool’s immediate focus remains on the current campaign. Arne Slot’s side sit sixth in the Premier League with 14 matches remaining. They face Brighton away this weekend before hosting West Ham. Defensive stability has been a talking point during the run in. Jacquet’s arrival will shape plans for next season rather than this one.
