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Liverpool’s January transfer deadline day looked set to be quiet until Sunday, when news emerged of activity on two defensive targets. A potential late move for Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida.
The versatile defender, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, could not move due to the Black Cats’ failure to secure a replacement. Geertruida’s ability to play at right-back or in the centre would have been a boost for the Premier League champions.
Late on Sunday, it was confirmed that Liverpool had agreed a deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds will pay £55million, plus £5million in add-ons, with the 20-year-old set to join ahead of next season.
While this does not address Liverpool’s immediate defensive issues, Jacquet’s signing is an exciting long-term addition and the standout move of the transfer deadline day.
There was widespread speculation over Harvey Elliott’s future at Aston Villa. The Liverpool midfielder returned to action last week, Thursday, after nearly three months out, featuring in Villa’s Europa League win over Red Bull Salzburg.
Manager Unai Emery confirmed there are no plans to sign him permanently, and Elliott has struggled for regular game time since joining on loan following his standout Under-21 Euros campaign with England.
Emery stated: “It is not changing. Not changing, I told you yesterday it is not changing his situation. Today, he played and very fantastic how he helped us, but it’s not changing our idea with him.”
According to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Harvey Elliott is set to remain at Aston Villa for the rest of the season after a return to Liverpool could not be agreed. Villa would be required to pay £35 million if he features regularly.
Transwell wrote: “There had been no progress or recent discussions on the removal of the 10-game obligation that exists in the deal for Elliott, which indicates that Villa need to pay a permanent fee between £30-35m to sign the 22-year-old permanently.
“If Villa wished to end the agreement they would have to pay to a termination fee, while Liverpool did not want to recall Elliott. As it stands, the situation remains the same, with Elliott staying until the end of the campaign.”
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