Liverpool have completed the signing of defender Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes for £60 million, beating competition from Chelsea and Bayern Munich to secure the France Under-21 international.
Deal Structure and Competition
The transfer, which was agreed in January but pending international clearance, comprises an initial £55 million with a further £5 million in add-ons. Jacquet has signed a five-year contract at Anfield that includes an option for an additional 12 months.
The 20-year-old becomes one of the first major signings under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who is preparing for his first pre-season in charge of the Premier League club. Liverpool fended off strong interest from domestic rivals Chelsea and German champions Bayern Munich to secure the highly rated centre-half.
Injury Update and Squad Depth
Jacquet suffered a serious shoulder injury shortly after Liverpool announced the agreement in January, which delayed his official integration into the squad. However, he has since completed his rehabilitation programme and is undertaking individual fitness work.
The defender is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season, giving Iraola additional options at centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni. Leoni endured a difficult first season at Anfield after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut, but he is also expected to return for the pre-season campaign.
The availability of both Jacquet and Leoni will provide the new manager with greater tactical flexibility and depth as he implements his methods ahead of the new campaign.
Player Reaction
In quotes released by the club, Jacquet expressed his delight at finalising the move. “I feel really good, the first impressions are good and I am very happy to start here,” he said. “When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started. For me it’s a big dream, it’s a big club. A club like Liverpool, it’s a big dream for me.”
The Frenchman arrives with a strong reputation after progressing through the Rennes academy system. His capture continues Liverpool’s efforts to lower the average age of their first-team squad while maintaining quality across defensive positions.