Liverpool have secured the services of French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth £35 million. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Anfield, with the option for a further season.
Defensive Reinforcement for Klopp's Side
Jacquet, who came through the youth academy at Rennes, made 78 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 club. He is seen as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who turned 35 this week. The Dutchman's current contract expires at the end of the season, and Liverpool have been planning for the future.
According to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, "Jeremy is a fantastic talent with great potential. He has all the attributes to become a top-class defender. We are delighted to bring him to Liverpool."
Jacquet's Rise to Prominence
The 6-foot-3 defender made his senior debut for Rennes in 2022 and quickly established himself as a regular. His performances attracted interest from several European clubs, including Bayern Munich and Juventus. However, Liverpool moved swiftly to secure his signature.
Jacquet expressed his excitement about the move: "Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world. To play at Anfield and work under Jürgen Klopp is a dream come true. I will give everything to help the team succeed."
Financial Details and Contract Length
The transfer fee is believed to be an initial £30 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons based on appearances and performance targets. Jacquet will earn around £120,000 per week, making him one of the higher-paid defenders in the squad.
Liverpool's sporting director, Julian Ward, said: "We have been monitoring Jeremy for some time. He is a player with immense potential, and we believe he can develop into a world-class centre-back. This signing demonstrates our commitment to building for the future."
Impact on Liverpool's Squad
Jacquet's arrival adds depth to Liverpool's defensive options, which already include Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. With the club competing in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups, Klopp will have more flexibility in rotating his squad.
The Frenchman is eligible to make his debut in Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund later this month. He is expected to wear the number 5 shirt, previously worn by Georginio Wijnaldum and Daniel Agger.
