Liverpool are closing in on a major summer addition after reaching an agreement with Rennes over the future transfer of highly regarded centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
The Premier League champions have lined up a pre-contract deal for the 20-year-old defender, with the package believed to be worth £55 million upfront and a further £5 million tied to performance-related add-ons. Negotiations progressed quickly over the weekend, allowing Liverpool to move ahead of several rivals in the race for the France Under-21 international.
Jacquet has been on the radar of multiple top clubs across Europe. Chelsea recently opened talks with Rennes and were seriously exploring a move, while Manchester United and Arsenal have also followed his development closely. Despite that level of competition, reports from France indicate that the young defender has been persuaded by Liverpool’s long-term sporting vision and the role outlined for him at Anfield.
Under the proposed agreement, Jacquet will remain with Rennes until the end of the current campaign before completing his switch to Merseyside in the summer. Liverpool see him as a key figure in an ongoing rebuild of their defence, which began last year with the £26 million capture of teenage Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
The player himself is understood to be comfortable with staying in Ligue 1 for the remainder of the season, as he is keen to help Rennes secure European qualification. The club currently sit sixth in the league table, occupying a UEFA Conference League position, and Jacquet views finishing the season strongly as a priority.
Although there is still a slim chance that Chelsea or another suitor could attempt a late intervention with a higher offer before the transfer deadline, Rennes are reportedly unwilling to sell him this month. That reluctance has been strengthened by their recent decision to cash in on another young talent, 18-year-old forward Kader Meite, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
At present, Liverpool are confident the move will be completed as planned, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle. Jacquet has been a regular starter for Rennes this season, featuring from the outset in 18 of their 20 league games and missing the other two through suspension. His rise has been rapid, having broken into the senior squad last season following loan spells at Clermont Foot.
Liverpool’s need for reinforcements at centre-back is clear. Ibrahima Konaté is edging toward a free exit amid unresolved contract negotiations, Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 in July, and Joe Gomez has battled persistent fitness issues. A short-term solution involving Lutsharel Geertruida was also explored but ultimately fell through, leaving Jacquet firmly positioned as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defensive future.
