Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s defensive resources have been severely depleted in recent weeks, yet widespread reports confirm the Premier League champions will not be entering the transfer market before Monday’s deadline.
The scale of the problem became apparent when Jeremie Frimpong limped off just four minutes into Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Qarabag. The Dutch international’s latest setback compounds an already dire situation that has seen Liverpool’s defensive depth reduced to concerning levels across multiple positions.
Conor Bradley suffered season-ending knee ligament damage against Arsenal on January 8 and will not feature again until the 2026-27 campaign. Giovanni Leoni, signed to bolster defensive ranks, tore his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut in September and remains sidelined for the season. Joe Gomez sustained a hip injury following a collision with Alisson during the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, while Ibrahima Konaté has been on compassionate leave in France following the death of his father.
But while Janaury centre-back reinforcements are not expected to arrive in the remainder of the window, there could be something for Reds fans to get excited over in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano has reported, on his YouTube channel, that Liverpool have been in contact with the representatives of Rennes defender Jerremy Jacquet – but with a summer transfer in mind:
“Liverpool are in contact with the agents of the player, respecting the fact that Rennes want to sell the player in the summer and not in the January window,” the Italian transfer guru said.
“Liverpool are in conversations and Liverpool want to try and it is an interesting case to follow.”
“Bayern have called and met with the agents in recent weeks but only for the summer. The feeling, the tendency of this deal is the Premier League, with Chelsea and Liverpool both interested. Chelsea are prepared to go all in, Liverpool are going with a different strategy – more for the summer.”
The Telegraph reported earlier this week that Chelsea would make a big push over this weekened to try and convince Rennes to let Jacquet go this winter.
With Rennes sitting eighth in Ligue 1 and still fighting for European qualification, losing their most promising young defender mid-season would be a major blow to their ambitions. The French side also hold a strong negotiating position, with Jacquet contracted until June 2029.
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