Liverpool's £60M Future
Liverpool Finalizes £60M Deal for Defender Jacquet, Building Future Backline
Key Points
Jacquet publicly expressed his happiness to join Liverpool, saying the facilities and the chance to learn from top players make it a dream move, and highlighting training with Virgil van Dijk as a major draw.
At 1.90 meters (about 6’2”) and 20 years old, Jacquet fits Liverpool’s profile of a physically robust, young central defender as part of the club’s long-term backline planning.
Liverpool structured the deal with a loan-back arrangement, allowing Jacquet to stay with Rennes for the remainder of the 2025-26 season after the transfer was agreed.
Jacquet is described as the second-most expensive defender in Liverpool history behind Virgil van Dijk, with reports placing the package value around £75m including add-ons.
Jacquet is set to be part of Liverpool’s pre-season programme following his shoulder injury and rehabilitation, with the club aiming to integrate him ahead of the new season.
Liverpool have completed the £60m signing of 20-year-old French defender Jérémy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, the club confirmed on July 1, 2026. The deal makes Jacquet the second most expensive defender in Liverpool's history, behind only Virgil van Dijk, according to Yahoo Sports.
Jacquet signs a five-year contract, with an option for a sixth year. The structure is £55m upfront plus up to £5m in add-ons. Liverpool beat Chelsea and Bayern Munich to his signature, completing the deal ahead of a post-World Cup market surge.
How Liverpool Landed Jacquet Ahead of Chelsea and Bayern
Liverpool first agreed a deal in principle on January 2, 2026, months before most clubs moved. The Athletic reported that the club's speed locked out Chelsea and Bayern Munich, both of whom showed serious late interest. A loan-back arrangement was included, letting Jacquet stay at Rennes for the rest of the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season.
Rennes had extended Jacquet's contract to June 2029 back in May 2025. That move helped Liverpool structure a lower upfront fee. Without the extension, a bidding war could have pushed the price well above £60m. Flashscore notes the deal was valued at €64m plus €6m in add-ons in euro terms.
Shoulder Surgery Delayed but Did Not Derail the Move
Just days after the deal was rubber-stamped in February, Jacquet suffered a serious shoulder injury against Lens and needed immediate surgery. Liverpool and Rennes medical staff managed his recovery together over the following months.
By June 20, 2026, Jacquet was spotted back in individual training drills, confirming his fitness. Liverpool FC confirmed on July 1 that he will join the club's pre-season programme ahead of the 2026–27 season. The club says his rehabilitation is complete.
Jacquet Sees Van Dijk Partnership as 'Big Dream'
At 1.90m (6'2") and just 20 years old, Jacquet fits exactly what Liverpool want at the back — tall, quick, and left-footed enough to cover multiple central roles. He made 33 senior appearances for Rennes, plus 24 on loan at Clermont Foot.
Upon arriving at the AXA Training Centre, Jacquet said: "For me, it is a big dream. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. Training with Virgil van Dijk was a major draw — he is the best to learn from," per Liverpool FC. Van Dijk, now 34, is expected to mentor the young Frenchman during his final years at the club.
Filling the Gap Left by Konaté's Departure to Real Madrid
The primary trigger for the move was Ibrahima Konaté's transfer to Real Madrid in early 2026. That left a major physical gap in Liverpool's backline. New head coach Andoni Iraola prioritises athletic, high-line defenders, and scouts have compared Jacquet to William Saliba — placing him in the 90th percentile for ball-carrying among Ligue 1 centre-backs, according to Yahoo Sports.
Liverpool's recruitment strategy has shifted toward a "U-22 model" under sporting director Michael Edwards. Jacquet joins 19-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni as the planned future core of the defence. French media outlet K24 Digital notes that Jacquet's estimated market value was around €28.7m in early 2025 — meaning Liverpool paid a 100%-plus premium to secure his long-term potential.
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