Liverpool’s defensive woes have been the recurring theme of their season. From a relentless injury crisis to a thinning roster, the Reds’ backline has often looked like a patchwork quilt. However, the club made a massive statement on the final day of the January transfer window by securing the signature of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennes.
While the deal is sealed, there is a catch: Liverpool fans will have to wait a little longer to see their new man in a red shirt. Here is everything you need to know about the young Frenchman and the details of his high-profile move.
The Crisis at the Back
The urgency for defensive reinforcements at Anfield cannot be overstated. With Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined by long-term injuries—the latter suffering a devastating ACL tear—and Ibrahima Konate missing time for personal reasons, Liverpool’s depth has reached a breaking point.
After missing out on Marc Guehi in the summer, the club’s hierarchy knew they couldn’t afford another “transfer whiff.” The answer to their problems? A 20-year-old rising star from Ligue 1.
Who is Jeremy Jacquet?
Jeremy Jacquet is a 20-year-old French youth international who has been a standout performer in Ligue 1. A product of the famed Stade Rennes academy, Jacquet’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles; early in his development, he battled a “growth-related illness” that threatened to hamper his progress.
He overcame those challenges to make his professional debut in early 2024. A successful loan spell at Clermont Foot, where he made 23 appearances, served as his true proving ground. By the 2025/26 season, he had established himself as an indispensable starter for Rennes, playing every single minute of the campaign until a red card against PSG in December broke the streak.
The Price Tag: Beating the Rivals
Liverpool didn’t get their man for cheap. The Reds are reportedly paying a guaranteed £55 million ($75.1m), with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.
The race for his signature was fierce. Both Chelsea and Arsenal were heavily linked to the defender. In fact, reports suggest Chelsea matched Liverpool’s offer exactly. However, Jacquet chose Anfield, reportedly wary of the “logjam” of young center-backs currently at Stamford Bridge, opting instead for a clearer path to the first team under the bright lights of Liverpool.
Is He the “Real Deal”?
The stats suggest that Liverpool are buying a physical powerhouse. In a league as demanding as the Premier League, Jacquet’s aerial presence is his greatest weapon:
French football journalist Jeremy Laurens describes him as “the real deal,” though analysts warn he remains a raw talent. While he is a ball-winning machine, he currently averages around six turnovers per 90 minutes—a statistic he will need to clean up to survive in a high-pressing Liverpool system.
The Wait: Why July?
Despite Liverpool’s immediate need for a body in the box, Jacquet will not be joining the squad this February. While he completed his medical on deadline day, the agreement dictates that the transfer will not be finalized until the summer window opens.
He has signed a five-year contract starting July 1, 2026.
This “buy-and-wait” approach suggests Liverpool are looking at the long-term succession plan. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation looming, Jacquet is being groomed as the future pillar of the defense. Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool have already assured Jacquet he will be a “very important player” the moment he steps foot in the AXA Training Centre this summer.