Liverpool Secure Major Defensive Coup with Jeremy Jacquet Signing
In a significant transfer breakthrough, Liverpool Football Club have emerged victorious in the intense battle to secure the services of Jeremy Jacquet, the highly sought-after defender from Stade Rennais. The Reds have reportedly agreed a substantial deal worth £55 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, fending off strong competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and European giants Bayern Munich.
A Rising Star in European Football
The 20-year-old French centre-back has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young talents on the continent. Jacquet made his professional debut for Rennes in January 2024 and, following a productive loan spell with Clermont Foot, has become a fixture in the first team at his parent club. Although yet to earn a senior cap for the French national team, his impressive performances at youth level have not gone unnoticed. He notably starred in the 2024 European Under-19 Championship, earning a coveted place in the Team of the Tournament.
Strategic Summer Arrival for Anfield
According to reports from The Athletic, the agreement will see Jacquet complete his move to Merseyside in June 2026, rather than during the current winter transfer window. Personal terms are not believed to be an issue, smoothing the path for the summer switch. This strategic timing allows Rennes to retain their key defender for the remainder of the season, a point strongly emphasised by their head coach, Habib Beye.
Beye has been vocal about his desire to keep Jacquet, describing him as "one of the best players in our team" and "an essential player for our objectives." The former Newcastle and Aston Villa defender acknowledged the difficulty of resisting approaches from elite clubs but remained firm on the player's importance to Rennes's campaign.
Addressing Liverpool's Defensive Concerns
The signing represents a crucial long-term investment for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has been grappling with a defensive injury crisis. The Reds' backline has been severely depleted, with right-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley sidelined, forcing midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai into an unfamiliar defensive role recently. Centre-back options are also thin beyond the first-choice pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with Joe Gomez currently injured.
Liverpool had identified central defence as a priority area for reinforcement, having seen a proposed move for Marc Guehi collapse late in a previous transfer window. The acquisition of Jacquet, therefore, provides a significant boost for the club's defensive plans heading into the 2026/27 season, even if it does not offer an immediate solution to their current personnel shortages.
This high-profile transfer underscores Liverpool's ambition in the market and their successful pursuit of a top young prospect, marking a notable victory over their domestic and European competitors in the race for Jeremy Jacquet's signature.
