A summer rebuild of the defence looks bound to happen, and Liverpool have an exciting target in mind.
There’s just over a week to go in the winter transfer window, and it’s been a quiet one at Anfield.
Andy Robertson to Spurs has been the prevailing story, with negotiations ongoing over a mid-season move.
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Is Liverpool letting Andy Robertson join Tottenham a mistake? Who could replace the left-back?
Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor
Credit: James Gill/Danehouse/Getty Images
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Centre-back is the position most in need of filling. Marc Guehi was the main target, but his arrival at Man City means other options need to be explored.
The Reds have joined the race for one of Europe’s top defensive prospects.
Fabrizio Romano on Liverpool’s interest in Jeremy Jacquet
20-year-old Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is ready to make the jump to a top European club, and the Reds are right in the mix.
Chelsea led the race for Jacquet for much of January, but now, new information from Fabrizio Romano places Liverpool firmly back in the race.
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He said in a transfer update posted to YouTube: “So now there is a chance for Jeremy Jacquet, who is one of the most talented defenders in the world, to leave the club now. Not now, sorry, but to leave the club in the summer but agree a deal now. So that’s the possibility.
Jeremy Jacquet points to the stands at the end of Rennes' Ligue 1 match against Paris FC
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
“Clubs interested? Chelsea for sure are in the race for Jeremy Jacquet to sign him now for the summer. Liverpool are also interested in following the player. Bayern are also calling for the player. So these three clubs are involved in the race for Jeremy Jacquet to eventually agree till now and do it in the summer. Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern all in.”
Romano stresses that Rennes are not willing to let him depart mid-season, and he could command a fee in excess of £60 million.
Jeremy Jacquet’s fit at Liverpool
There’s no denying that the Frenchman is an elite young talent, but is he the right fit?
Liverpool have scouted Jacquet for some time, and clearly think he is ready for this level. Dubbed ‘the next Saliba’, he is strong, quick and dominant in the air.
The only concern is his age. Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni last summer, and Jacquet would be another very young centre-back added to the squad. If Ibrahima Konate does leave, there’s a real lack of experience in the back line.
How do you think Liverpool should handle the contract situations of Konate, Van Dijk, and Gomez?
Van Dijk (2027), Gomez (2027) and Konate (2026) are all out of contract soon!
Virgil van Dijk applauds supporters after Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
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With all that said, Jacquet has heaps of quality and a promising future. The fact that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are after him is a sign that he is worth pursuing.
The condition, though, would have to be that another top centre-back is also brought in, one with more miles in his legs.
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