Liverpool have emerged victorious in the high-stakes pursuit of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, agreeing a substantial fee of £55million plus additional add-ons to secure his signature. This move represents a significant coup for the Merseyside club, who have outmanoeuvred Chelsea in the race for the highly-rated 20-year-old French talent.
Summer Switch to Anfield Confirmed
The young centre-back will complete the current season with his Ligue 1 employers before making the transition to Liverpool in the summer. This arrangement allows Jacquet to continue his development in France while providing Liverpool with a strategic acquisition for their future defensive line.
Chelsea's Initial Confidence and Subsequent Setback
Chelsea had appeared to be in pole position to bring Jacquet to the Premier League, having held productive discussions during the January transfer window. Club officials were reportedly assured that financial terms and personal agreements would not present obstacles to completing the deal.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically following emerging speculation regarding Mamadou Sarr's potential return to Stamford Bridge from his loan spell at Strasbourg. This development, combined with Chelsea's firm commitment to retaining academy product Josh Acheampong, altered Jacquet's perception of his potential role and opportunities within the London club.
Liverpool's Defensive Reshuffle Proves Decisive
Further influencing Jacquet's decision was the anticipated departure of Ibrahima Konate from Anfield when his contract concludes this summer. This prospective vacancy in Liverpool's defensive ranks presented a clearer pathway to first-team football for the French under-21 international, who has already made 18 appearances for Rennes this campaign.
Jacquet's impressive performances since graduating from Rennes' youth academy have attracted attention from numerous elite European clubs, establishing him as one of the continent's most promising defensive prospects.
Chelsea's Defensive Dilemma
The Blues' need for defensive reinforcement has been accentuated by Levi Colwill's season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. Manager Liam Rosenior had identified Jacquet as a long-term target who could provide immediate bolstering to the squad while aligning with the club's broader recruitment strategy.
Jacquet's decision to join Liverpool instead delivers a substantial blow to Chelsea's plans, particularly following defensive vulnerabilities exposed during their difficult first-half performance against West Ham United. The club maintains a policy of only pursuing transfers that fit their long-term vision, ruling out emergency cover for Colwill.
Rosenior's Academy Commitment
Rosenior has explicitly confirmed that Acheampong, capable of operating at both right-back and central defence, remains integral to his plans and will not be sold. This commitment to youth development, while admirable, may have inadvertently contributed to Jacquet's assessment of his prospects at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Sarr's anticipated return from Strasbourg, coupled with Aaron Anselmino's impending move to the Ligue 1 club before the transfer deadline, indicates ongoing defensive reshuffling at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool's Continued Transfer Activity
Liverpool's recruitment drive appears far from complete, with the club also linked with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who is reportedly delaying contract discussions at the Allianz Arena. This suggests manager Jürgen Klopp is undertaking comprehensive defensive restructuring ahead of the new season.
The acquisition of Jacquet represents a statement of intent from Liverpool, securing one of Europe's most promising defensive talents while simultaneously weakening a direct Premier League rival's transfer ambitions.
