Liverpool have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal reportedly worth up to €60 million ($82 million), reports AFP.
The 20-year-old defender will not move to Anfield until the end of the season, despite Liverpool’s urgent need for reinforcements at the back.
Jacquet had been linked with Chelsea earlier this month but was reportedly deterred by intense competition for places in the Blues’ crowded central defence. Liverpool, by contrast, are short of options in that position.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, and Ibrahima Konaté—whose contract ends this season—are the only senior centre-backs available to head coach Arne Slot, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined by injury.
Liverpool are understood to be paying an initial €55 million, with a further €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
“Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026–27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance,” the club said in a statement.
“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 before moving to Anfield in the summer on a long-term contract.”
Jacquet, a France Under-21 international with five caps, has made 18 appearances for Rennes this season and 31 in total since making his senior debut in January 2024. He also gained top-flight experience during a loan spell at Clermont Foot.
In 2024, Jacquet helped France reach the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
