Liverpool have officially confirmed 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 an option for an additional year at Anfield. The transfer was finalised after an agreement was reached in January, with Jacquet remaining at Rennes for the rest of the 2025/26 season.
The initial fee for Jacquet is £55m, with an additional £5m potentially payable in performance-related add-ons. The 20-year-old completed his medical examinations on Deadline Day in February, paving the way for his move to the Premier League champions.
Jacquet expressed his excitement about joining the club, 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.”
Jacquet’s Recovery and Squad Integration
Earlier this year, Jacquet sustained a shoulder injury. However, he has successfully completed a rehabilitation programme and is currently engaged in individual fitness work. He is expected to be available for the start of pre-season training under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Jacquet’s arrival provides Liverpool with another option at centre-back. He will join Virgil van Dijk, Geovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez in the first-team squad. This move aligns with Liverpool‘s strategy of recruiting emerging talent, as the average age of their first-team signings over the last two transfer windows has been lower than 22.
The acquisition of Jacquet is particularly timely given other defensive situations at the club. Geovanni Leoni, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut, is also anticipated to be fit for the start of pre-season. Additionally, Jacquet’s arrival provides a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who departed on a free transfer to Real Madrid after his contract expired.
Interest from Other Clubs and Expert Opinion
Liverpool faced competition for Jacquet’s signature, with Chelsea reportedly offering the same deal. Other clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, also showed interest in the highly-rated defender. Jacquet’s decision to move to Anfield highlights the appeal of the club.
French football expert Julien Laurens commented on Jacquet’s potential, describing him as “the real deal.” Laurens noted that while Jacquet is young and has not yet played for the France senior team or in major European club competitions, his performances for Rennes have been impressive. He drew comparisons between Jacquet and other prominent defenders like William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, suggesting that the fee reflects the value placed on his talent and potential.
European football expert Kevin Hatchard echoed these sentiments, identifying Jacquet as a “rising star.” Hatchard highlighted Jacquet’s qualities as a modern centre-back, including his ability on the ball, passing range, athleticism, and aerial prowess. He noted Jacquet’s experience as a captain at various youth levels for France. Despite his potential, Hatchard acknowledged that Jacquet does not have an extensive record in top-level football, having primarily played for Rennes and had a successful loan spell at Clermont. His coach at Rennes, Habib Beye, reportedly stated that allowing Jacquet to leave would necessitate downgrading the team’s seasonal goals.
This signing marks Liverpool‘s second acquisition of the summer, following the arrival of Spanish winger Victor Munoz for £34m. The club also reportedly offered an £86m package for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Jacquet’s contract with Liverpool is for five years, with an option for a sixth season.
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Source: skysports.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
