Image Credits: Imago Images
Jeremy Jacquet has attracted strong interest from Chelsea, who held talks with Rennes last month, while Manchester United and Arsenal have also tracked the defender long term. The 20-year-old has started 18 of Rennes’ 20 Ligue 1 matches this season, missing the other two through suspension, after breaking through last term following two loan spells at Clermont Foot.
Liverpool have been expected to enter the market for a centre-back at the end of the season. Ibrahima Konate is currently set to leave on a free transfer with no agreement reached over a new contract, Virgil van Dijk turns 35 in July, and Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness issues over the past 18 months.
The Reds had explored short-term defensive cover by attempting to take over Lutsharel Geertruida’s loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, but the move collapsed due to Sunderland’s lack of cover.
Liverpool have since beaten Chelsea to secure a deal with Rennes for Jacquet, agreeing a pre-contract worth £55 million plus £5m in add-ons.
The club have now officially confirmed the signing of Jacquet, who will remain with Rennes for the rest of the season before joining Liverpool in the summer.
He is expected to form a key part of a defensive rebuild that began last year with the signing of teenage Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni for an initial £26m.
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