Key Points
- Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Rennes for 20-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60 million.
- The transfer is set for the summer of 2026, with Jacquet loaned back to Rennes for the rest of the current season.
- Chelsea matched the offer but Jacquet opted for Liverpool after Chelsea’s young centre-backs Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong stayed.
- The deal includes a fixed fee of £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons; personal terms are agreed and a medical is planned.
Bury (Liverpool Standard) February 2, 2026 – Liverpool have secured a major summer signing by agreeing a fee of up to £60 million for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet on transfer deadline day.
The 20-year-old French centre-back, a target for Chelsea, chose Anfield after a verbal agreement was reached with Rennes. Sky Sports reports the deal comprises an initial £55 million plus performance-related add-ons.
What deal have Liverpool struck for Jeremy Jacquet?
Liverpool reached the agreement on Sunday amid competition from Chelsea, who offered identical terms. According to Sky Sports, Jacquet switched preference when it emerged Chelsea would retain Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong, limiting his playing time.
As reported by Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, the player is set to join Liverpool in the summer, with Rennes insisting on keeping him until the season ends to aid their push for European qualification.
Why did Jacquet choose Liverpool over Chelsea?
Jacquet, who has started all 18 Ligue 1 matches for sixth-placed Rennes this season, sees a clearer path to regular football at Liverpool. NBC Sports notes his impressive stats, including 4.8 clearances and 2.9 accurate long balls per 90 minutes.
Who is the Rennes prodigy impressing scouts?
The 6-foot-2 defender, a France youth international, joined Rennes’ academy at 14 and has become a mainstay under Habib Beye. French expert Julien Laurens told Sky Sports: “He’s the real deal,” praising his rapid progress despite limited top-level exposure.
What happens next in Jacquet’s transfer?
Personal terms are settled, with a medical scheduled for Monday, February 3. Thisismofield confirms the £60 million deal allows Jacquet to bolster Liverpool’s defence from pre-season in June 2026.
Teamtalk adds that transfer expert Fabrizio Romano highlighted ongoing talks, with Liverpool convincing Jacquet despite Chelsea’s interest.
