Liverpool have officially completed the signing of centre-back 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 confirmed on Wednesday, following an agreement reached in January.
The initial fee for Jacquet is £55m, with an additional £5m potentially payable in performance-related add-ons. Jacquet had completed his medical examination with Liverpool on Deadline Day in February but remained with Rennes for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Upon his arrival, Jacquet expressed his enthusiasm, 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 had sustained a shoulder injury earlier in the year, shortly after Liverpool’s agreement was announced in January. However, he has since 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 role at Anfield
The acquisition of Jacquet adds to Liverpool’s defensive options. He will join the first-team squad as one of the centre-backs alongside Virgil van Dijk, Geovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez. His arrival provides a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who departed on a free transfer when his contract expired and subsequently joined Real Madrid.
Liverpool faced competition for Jacquet’s signature, with Chelsea reportedly offering the same deal. However, Jacquet ultimately chose to move to Anfield. Bayern Munich was also among the clubs interested in the highly-rated defender.
The signing aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of identifying and recruiting emerging talent, as the average age of their first-team signings over the last two transfer windows has been lower than 22. Jacquet’s move continues the club’s efforts to lower the average age of their first-team squad.
Expert opinions on the signing
French football expert Julien Laurens described Jacquet as “the real deal.” He noted that while Jacquet is young and has not yet played for the France senior team or in the Champions League or Europa League, he has shown impressive form. Laurens highlighted Jacquet’s performance last season after being recalled from a loan in the second division, and his play this season under coach Habib Beye.
Laurens drew comparisons between Jacquet and players like William Saliba when he emerged with Saint-Etienne, and Wesley Fofana. He acknowledged the significant fee paid for a young player who has not yet extensively proven himself at the highest level, but emphasized the value placed on his potential and talent.
European football expert Kevin Hatchard also commented on Jacquet, identifying him as a “rising star” for some time. Hatchard mentioned that Jacquet has captained various youth groups for France and possesses the necessary attributes for a modern centre-back, including being good on the ball, having a strong passing range, athleticism, and aerial ability. However, Hatchard also pointed out that Jacquet does not have an extensive record in top-level football, despite a successful loan spell at Clermont and playing for Rennes this season.
Hatchard noted that Rennes were reluctant to let Jacquet go, with coach Habib Beye reportedly stating that allowing him to leave this season would necessitate downgrading the team’s goals. This indicates the high regard in which Jacquet is held by his former club. Liverpool’s medical team will continue to monitor Jacquet’s progress as he prepares for pre-season training.
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Source: skysports.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
