Key Points
- Liverpool have signed 20-year-old Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a £60m deal worth $82m, with the player joining Anfield in summer 2026.
- Jacquet will remain at Rennes for the rest of the 2025-26 season, having completed his medical on deadline day.
- The deal includes a fixed £55m fee plus up to £5m in add-ons; it helps Liverpool manage finances after heavy spending last summer.
- Liverpool face defensive shortages with Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring and injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.
- Jacquet has impressed with 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, five France U21 caps, and a role in the U19 Euro final Team of the Tournament.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) 2 February 2026 – Liverpool have completed the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for £60m, with the 20-year-old set to join the Premier League champions in the summer.
The centre-back, who has made 18 appearances for Rennes this season, will finish the campaign in Ligue 1 before moving to Anfield on a long-term contract until 2031, with an option for an extra year. The deal, confirmed on deadline day, addresses Liverpool’s central defensive needs amid uncertainties over Ibrahima Konate’s future.
Why did Liverpool sign Jeremy Jacquet now?
Liverpool secured the transfer after accelerated talks, with sources indicating the player was keen on the move to Anfield. The club had long-term interest in Jacquet, viewing him as key to their defensive rebuild, especially after a failed bid for Marc Guehi last summer. Rennes manager Habib Beye praised the arrangement, noting it allowed them to retain their best defender for the season’s remainder while securing the desired fee.
As reported by Sky Sports, Jacquet is athletic, strong in the air, good on the ball with excellent passing range, despite limited top-level experience from a successful loan at Clermont and recent Rennes outings. Rennes valued him highly, reluctant to sell mid-season.
What are the financial details of the deal?
The agreement is worth a guaranteed £55m rising to £60m in performance-related add-ons, equivalent to around $82m. Liverpool deliberately delayed confirmation to book the fee in the 2026-27 accounts, avoiding pressure on finances after £450m spent last summer while adhering to profit and sustainability rules.
How does this fit Liverpool’s transfer strategy?
This signing aligns with Liverpool’s focus on elite young talent, with recent acquisitions averaging under 22 years old. Jacquet, who helped France reach the U19 European Championship final in 2024 and earned Team of the Tournament honours, follows their model of investing in high-potential defenders. Official club statements confirm the deal is subject to work permit and international clearance.
What defensive challenges does this address?
Liverpool currently rely on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as fit senior centre-backs, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined. Konate could depart for free this summer, prompting the proactive move for Jacquet to bolster depth ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
ESPN reporting highlights the club’s need for reinforcements, with Andy Robertson also out of contract soon, positioning Jacquet as a crucial long-term addition under Arne Slot.
