Liverpool had a busy evening on Sunday as they wrapped up a deal for Jeremy Jacquet’s arrival from Rennes.
Unfortunately, the young centre-back will not be joining the Reds immediately, but means they have already ticked a big box ahead of next summer’s window.
Liverpool badly need defensive reinforcements in 2026, and while it is a shame supporters will have to wait to see Jacquet in action, they can rest assured that their issues at centre-back are being addressed.
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How good a signing do you think Jeremy Jacquet will be?
Jeremy Jacquet warms up ahead of Rennes' Ligue 1 match against Monaco (Credit: Getty Images/Neal Simpson/Allstar).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Neal Simpson/Allstar
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There had been plenty of nervousness within the fanbase after Liverpool failed to rival Manchester City for long-term target Marc Guehi earlier in January.
However, having now agreed a deal for Jacquet, Liverpool insiders reportedly think they may have signed an even better player.
Liverpool think Jeremy Jacquet fits better than Marc Guehi
Guehi has started well at City, making Liverpool’s decision not to go for him this month even more baffling.
According to The Athletic, though, Jacquet’s planned arrival had plenty to do with their choice not to act.
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring for France during their U19 European Championship match against Turkiye
Photo by Ramsey Cardy – Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images
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It is claimed that Liverpool view the 20-year-old as being a ‘more valuable long-term acquisition’ for the model they are currently trying to implement.
That model is reportedly to build a team ‘for the next generation’ as they target younger players with high ceilings.
Jacquet is said to be considered a ‘big piece’ of this strategy, hence Liverpool’s decision to spend so heavily to get him ahead of time.
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The final day of the window 👀
Arne Slot and Richard Hughes
Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Will Jacquet replace Ibrahima Konate?
Given the price of Jacquet and Liverpool’s delight at the deal, it seems possible that he will come in as an immediate starter for the Reds.
That would be a gamble given his age, and there is a chance Liverpool do sign a second centre-back, but the Reds clearly rate him extremely highly.
What is obvious is that there is a plan for Jacquet to form a long-term partnership with fellow youngster Giovanni Leoni.
At 20 and 19 respectively, the pair look like being the future for Liverpool beyond Virgil van Dijk.
In the meantime, there is a chance Ibrahima Konate could still stay at Anfield beyond this summer, but if – as is more likely – the Frenchman does depart, Liverpool may well be lining his compatriot up to replace him.
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