Key Points
- Liverpool reached verbal agreement with Rennes for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in £60m deal, hijacking Chelsea interest.
- Jacquet, 20, to join Liverpool in summer after current season, with £55m fixed fee plus £5m add-ons.
- Deal positioned as potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate, whose contract expires soon with no extension expected.
- Compares to failed Marc Guehi pursuit last summer; Liverpool avoided £20m fee City paid in January.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 2, 2026 – Liverpool have secured a verbal agreement to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for up to £60 million, marking a strategic shift from their collapsed pursuit of Marc Guehi.
The 20-year-old French centre-back, previously in talks with Chelsea, will remain at Rennes until the summer before moving to Anfield. This development underscores Liverpool’s long-term defensive planning amid uncertainties with Ibrahima Konate.
What is Liverpool’s stance on the Jeremy Jacquet transfer?
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool reached a verbal agreement for Jacquet worth up to £60m, including a fixed £55m fee and £5m in performance-related add-ons. Standard Sport reports Liverpool hijacked Chelsea’s negotiations, agreeing to Rennes’ club-record demands after the Blues balked at the price. Jacquet is viewed as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, praised for his ball-playing ability, athleticism and aerial strength by Rennes coach Habib Beye.
As reported by Ian Doyle of Liverpool Echo, the deal reveals Liverpool’s clear plan to bolster their backline proactively, contrasting with past hesitations on high fees.
How does the Jacquet deal compare to the Marc Guehi situation?
Liverpool’s summer move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi collapsed on deadline day, as they refused to meet demands despite interest in a free transfer. Anfield Watch notes Guehi later joined Manchester City for £20m in January, six months before his contract expired—a price Liverpool deemed too high. Sky Sports highlights Jacquet as the follow-up target after that failure, with the £60m commitment showing greater willingness now.
Why did Liverpool pursue Jacquet over Guehi?
Reports from multiple outlets indicate Liverpool see Jacquet as a long-term asset, potentially replacing Konate whose contract enters its final months without renewal prospects. Unlike the Guehi saga, Liverpool moved decisively on Jacquet despite Chelsea’s prior talks, obliging Rennes’ valuation that exceeded the €60m City paid for Jeremy Doku.
What are the implications for Liverpool’s defence?
The signing addresses depth concerns, especially with Virgil van Dijk entering his final contract year at age 35 next summer. Anfield Watch suggests Jacquet could enter the starting XI immediately, signalling contingency for Konate’s likely exit and Van Dijk’s future.
Personal terms for Jacquet remain a formality, positioning Liverpool to integrate the youngster into their squad for the 2026-27 season.
