Liverpool handed 'extraordinary' verdict on Jeremy Jacquet transfer after £60m deal agreed

Liverpool have secured a major summer coup by agreeing a £60 million deal to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, beating rivals Chelsea in the race for the highly-rated 20-year-old French defender[1][2][3]. The agreement, worth an initial £55 million plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons, will see Jacquet join Anfield in June 2026, despite Rennes' reluctance to sell during the current winter window[1][4][6].

Reports from Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano confirm that personal terms are finalized, with Jacquet opting for Liverpool after Chelsea matched the fee but shifted focus to recalling Mamadou Sarr and retaining Josh Acheampong[1][2][3]. The player, a product of Rennes' youth academy, has impressed with 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season following a successful loan at Clermont Foot[3][5]. Experts praise his athleticism, passing range, aerial ability, and ball-playing skills, likening him to top defenders at Arsenal and Chelsea[1][3].

Rennes coach Habib Beye highlighted Jacquet's value, stating they couldn't sell him mid-season without downgrading ambitions[1]. French analyst Julien Laurens called him "the real deal," noting his promise despite limited top-level exposure[3]. ESPN's Sam Tighe and Laurens view him as a gem from Rennes' stellar 2005 generation, alongside stars like Desire Doué and Mathys Tel[5].

The signing addresses Liverpool's defensive needs, with Ibrahima Konaté's contract expiring and Virgil van Dijk's in 2027[1][5]. It follows a collapsed Marc Guehi pursuit, now at Manchester City[1]. Jacquet, eyed by Didier Deschamps for France's 2026 World Cup squad, is scheduled for a medical and a contract until 2031 with an extension option[4][7]. Pundit Paul Merson delivers an 'extraordinary' verdict, hailing it as a masterstroke for Arne Slot's long-term plans, securing a future star at a shrewd price amid PSR considerations[4].

This transfer underscores Liverpool's proactive window strategy post their 4-1 win over Newcastle[2].