Liverpool have completed a deal to sign highly rated French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Ligue 1 side Rennes in a transfer worth up to £60 million, although the 20-year-old will only join the Premier League club in the summer.
The agreement includes an initial £55 million fee, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. Jacquet has agreed to a five-year contract running until 2031, with an option for an additional year.
Liverpool see the France youth international as a long-term investment and a key part of their future defensive line, despite his relatively low profile at the start of the winter transfer window. The club’s recruitment team believe the centre-back has the physical and mental attributes to develop into an elite defender at the highest level.
Rennes were unwilling to sanction a mid-season transfer, insisting any deal must exceed their previous record sale of £55.4 million, when Manchester City signed Jeremy Doku in 2023. Liverpool accepted those terms and agreed to wait until the end of the season.
Jacquet has built a reputation in Ligue 1 for his strength and athleticism, winning more than 75 percent of his aerial duels this season, the highest rate among defenders in the French top flight. He has made 36 league appearances at senior level and has been a regular starter for Rennes in their push for European qualification.
While his aggressive style has led to occasional errors, Liverpool’s data-driven assessment suggests his overall profile, including pace, height, composure and leadership qualities, makes him well suited to the Premier League in the long run.
The defender has captained France at youth level and was named in the team of the tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championship, underlining his standing among his age group.
Liverpool’s interest intensified after Jacquet expressed a clear preference for a move to Anfield, despite holding talks with Chelsea. Club officials believe the pathway offered at Liverpool, along with the long-term project under head coach Arne Slot, played a decisive role in his decision.
The signing comes as Liverpool prepare for potential changes in defence, with several senior players approaching the final years of their contracts. Club insiders say Jacquet will benefit from regular playing time at Rennes for the remainder of the season before making the step up to English football.
Liverpool acknowledge the risks involved in spending heavily on a young, developing defender, but remain confident they have identified a player capable of becoming a cornerstone of their defence in the years ahead.
With inputs from BBC