News Focus
- France U21 centre-back completes €65 million switch from Stade Rennais to Liverpool
- Player confirms lengthy negotiations with the Reds started long before the winter window
- Manchester United and Chelsea both attempted to sign the defender
- Jacquet undergoes shoulder rehabilitation but targets full fitness for pre-season
Young French defender Jérémy Jacquet has explained why he chose Liverpool ahead of rival English clubs. The centre-back joined the Anfield side for €65 million from Stade Rennais during the winter transfer window.
Speaking to Ouest-France, Jacquet stated that talks with Liverpool began many months before the deal was finalised. He wanted to clear up rumours that the transfer happened quickly. The player said he had been in contact with the Merseyside club for a long period, so the move was not arranged in just one week.
The France youth international confirmed that Manchester United also wanted to sign him. However, he decided against joining Chelsea because their squad already has strong competition in defence.
Jacquet picked Liverpool because of the club’s famous history and their sporting plans. He spoke with the club’s management about the project. This decision came even though some supporters worry about Arne Slot’s future after a difficult Premier League campaign.
The player suffered a serious shoulder injury in February while playing for Rennes. Doctors operated on him during the spring. Despite this problem, Jacquet is confident he will recover in time for the new season. He says he still has over one month to heal and will be ready when training starts.