Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, fending off competition from Chelsea in a deal that could rise to £60 million ($82 million), according to British media reports.
The 20-year-old French defender is expected to remain at Rennes until the end of the season, with Liverpool agreeing to delay his arrival at Anfield despite their pressing need to reinforce at the heart of defence.
Jacquet had been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this month, but reports suggest the defender was deterred by the intense competition for places at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues already possess an overcrowded centre-back department.
Liverpool’s situation contrasts sharply. Arne Slot is currently operating with limited defensive options, with club captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, and Ibrahima Konate — whose contract expires at the end of the season — the only senior centre-backs available. Joe Gomez and young defender Giovanni Leoni are both sidelined through injury, underlining the urgency behind Liverpool’s pursuit of a long-term solution.
Despite his relative lack of top-level experience, Jacquet is viewed as a high-upside investment. The France Under-21 international has made 31 first-team appearances for Rennes since breaking into the senior squad last season, impressing with his composure, physical profile and ability to play out from the back.
The deal is understood to be structured with an initial £55 million payment, with a further £5 million tied to performance-related add-ons, reflecting Liverpool’s belief in Jacquet’s development potential and future value.
