Rennes Accept 'Reality of Market' as Jeremy Jacquet Heads to Liverpool

Liverpool FC have secured a major transfer coup by agreeing a £60m deal to sign highly-rated Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, beating rivals Chelsea in the race for the 20-year-old centre-back's signature[1][3][4]. The agreement, reached on transfer deadline day, sees Rennes reluctantly accept the "reality of the market" amid intense interest from Premier League clubs, with the player set to join Anfield in the summer ahead of the 2026-27 season[1][2][3].

The deal structure includes a guaranteed £55m fee plus up to £5m in performance-related add-ons, valued at around $82m or €64m depending on exchange rates[1][2][3][4][6]. Personal terms are expected to be straightforward for the France Under-21 international, a product of Rennes' youth academy who has made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 this season[1][4][5]. Jacquet is scheduled for a medical in northwest England today, with a potential contract until 2031 plus a club option to extend[2].

Chelsea had matched Liverpool's offer and held advanced talks, but recent developments—including the anticipated return of Mamadou Sarr and retention of Josh Acheampong—saw Jacquet opt for the Reds[1][3][5]. Rennes coach Habib Beye emphasized the player's importance, stating they would have to "downgrade our goals for the season" if he left mid-campaign, highlighting why the move is delayed until June[3].

Praised by analyst Julien Laurens as "the real deal," Jacquet excels in ball-playing, passing range, athleticism, and aerial ability, likened to top talents at Arsenal and Chelsea[1][3][5]. Recalled from a successful loan at Clermont Foot last season, the Paris-born star from Rennes' prolific 2005 generation (alongside Desire Doué and Mathys Tel) bolsters Liverpool's defense amid Ibrahima Konaté's expiring contract and ongoing backline issues[3][5]. Liverpool view him as a long-term investment, following collapsed pursuits like Marc Guehi[3].

This shrewd signing under Arne Slot addresses defensive vulnerabilities while planning beyond Virgil van Dijk's 2027 contract expiry[5].

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