In a significant coup for the Merseyside club, Liverpool have successfully agreed a substantial transfer deal for highly-rated French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, effectively hijacking a move that had been anticipated for Chelsea. The agreement, confirmed with Rennes, sees Liverpool commit to an initial fee of £55 million, which could potentially rise to a total of £60 million through performance-related add-ons.
Details of the Jacquet Transfer
The 20-year-old defender, who has been turning heads in Ligue 1 with his composed performances, will officially make the switch to Anfield in the summer of 2026. However, in a strategic move, Liverpool have arranged for Jacquet to be loaned back to Rennes for the remainder of the current season. This decision allows the young talent to continue his development and help Rennes in their push for European qualification, as the club currently sits sixth in the French top flight.
Liverpool's Defensive Strategy
This acquisition comes at a critical time for Liverpool, who have been actively seeking to bolster their defensive options. The move for Jacquet follows the breakdown of a proposed transfer for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi during the summer window, with Guehi ultimately joining Manchester City in January instead. Liverpool's defensive ranks have been further strained by injuries, with key players such as Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley ruled out for the season, and Jeremie Frimpong facing several weeks on the sidelines.
Moreover, the potential departure of Ibrahima Konate adds urgency to the situation. Konate, who has been a mainstay alongside Virgil van Dijk this season, is out of contract in the summer, leaving Liverpool at risk of losing him on a free transfer. The signing of Jacquet, therefore, represents a proactive step to secure long-term stability in defence.
Financial and Historical Context
Should the deal reach its maximum value of £60 million, Jeremy Jacquet would become the second most expensive defender in Liverpool's storied history, trailing only the iconic Virgil van Dijk. This underscores the club's significant investment in the player's potential and their confidence in his ability to make an impact at the highest level of English football.
Alternative Options Considered
Liverpool's search for defensive reinforcements also led them to explore a loan move for Lutsharel Geertruida, a right-back familiar to head coach Arne Slot from their time together at Feyenoord. However, this potential deal proved too complex to finalise. Geertruida is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, and any arrangement would have required agreement from multiple clubs, making it an unfeasible option for the remainder of the season.
With the Jacquet deal now secured, Liverpool have demonstrated their ambition and strategic planning in the transfer market, ensuring they are well-positioned for future campaigns despite current defensive challenges.
