Liverpool confirm signing of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes

The agreement includes a guaranteed 55 million pounds fee plus 5 million pounds in performance-related add-ons, with the 20-year-old signing a contract until 2031, with the option of an additional year. Jacquet completed his medical on Deadline Day, but Rennes refused to sanction a mid-season departure.

Chelsea had matched Liverpool's offer and were confident of completing the transfer, but their decision to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and retain Josh Acheampong altered their defensive plans. Jacquet ultimately favoured a move to Anfield, where he is expected to have clearer long-term opportunities.

Liverpool's move aligns with their recent strategy of recruiting elite young talent and addresses concerns over defensive depth. Ibrahima Konate is approaching the end of his contract, while injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni have limited Arne Slot's centre-back options alongside Virgil van Dijk. The club had previously targeted Marc Guehi in the pre-season, but the deal collapsed before the England international later joined Manchester City.

"The Reds have secured a deal for the 20-year-old that will see him complete the remainder of the current campaign in Ligue 1 and move to Anfield in the summer on a long-term contract," read a statement on Liverpool's official website.

"Jacquet, who has five caps for France U21s, has made 18 appearances for Rennes in his country's top flight so far this season.

"Overall, the centre-back has figured on 31 occasions for Rennes since making his debut in January 2024. He also gained Ligue 1 experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot.

"In 2024, Jacquet helped France to the final of the U19 European Championship, during which he was named in the Team of the Tournament."

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