Liverpool are closing in on the future signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet after reaching a provisional agreement with the Ligue 1 club ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Premier League champions have struck a pre-contract deal for the highly regarded 20-year-old, with the package believed to be worth £55 million up front and a further £5 million tied to performance-related add-ons. Discussions between the two clubs accelerated over the weekend, allowing Liverpool to move ahead of several domestic rivals.
Jacquet has been on the radar of Chelsea, who opened talks with Rennes last month, while both Manchester United and Arsenal have followed his development over a longer period. Despite the strong competition, reports in France suggest the defender has been convinced by Liverpool’s long-term sporting vision and pathway, giving the Merseyside club a clear advantage in the race for his signature.
Under the proposed arrangement, Jacquet will see out the current campaign with Rennes before officially completing his move to Anfield in the summer. He is expected to be a key figure in Liverpool’s ongoing defensive rebuild, which began last year with the £26 million acquisition of teenage Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
The young Frenchman is keen to remain with Rennes until the end of the season, determined to help the club secure European football. Rennes currently sit sixth in Ligue 1, holding a Conference League qualification spot, and Jacquet is viewed as central to their ambitions during the run-in.
Although there is still a chance that Chelsea or another suitor could attempt to hijack the deal with a larger offer before the transfer deadline, Rennes are understood to be unwilling to sanction a January departure. That position has been reinforced by the club’s recent decision to sell another emerging talent, 18-year-old forward Kader Meite, to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
At present, Liverpool are confident of completing the move as planned, with personal terms between the player and the club not expected to present any obstacles.
Jacquet has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Brittany, starting 18 of Rennes’ 20 league matches and missing the other two only through suspension. After gaining valuable experience during loan spells at Clermont Foot, he established himself in the senior side last season and has continued to impress with his consistency and maturity.
Liverpool’s intention to bolster their centre-back options this summer has been clear for some time. Ibrahima Konate could depart on a free transfer due to unresolved contract negotiations, Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 in July, and Joe Gomez has endured ongoing injury issues. A short-term solution involving Lutsharel Geertruida was also explored but ultimately abandoned, making Jacquet a central piece of the club’s long-term plans.
