Liverpool opted to secure the signature of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in the January transfer window, rather than bringing in Marc Guehi, who has now joined Manchester City. An explanation has now emerged as to why Liverpool opted to pay around three times more for young centre-back Jacquet.
Guehi completed his move to Manchester City in the January transfer window, joining the club for a fee in the region of £20m. This came just a few months after Liverpool were incredibly close to bringing him to Anfield, with the England international even completing a medical ahead of a move in the summer.
Palace pulled the plug on a deal at the last minute, and with his contract expiring in the summer of this year, a January exit was inevitable.
Liverpool Opt for Jacquet Over Guehi
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates with Brice Samba
According to a report from The Athletic, Liverpool decided not to rival Manchester City in the race for Guehi during the January transfer window due to the potential cost of the overall package. Although the transfer fee was just £20m, there were other costs involved, including high wages and bonuses.
Guehi was set to become a free agent in the summer, meaning the Merseyside club couldn't justify splashing that sort of cash on the England international. There's no doubt Liverpool could have done with a player of Guehi's calibre for the remainder of the season, but the Reds have to think of their long-term plan, rather than the short term.
Liverpool Showing Clear Transfer Strategy
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates
Premier League - Leeds United v Liverpool - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - December 6, 2025 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Liverpool view Jacquet as more of a valuable long-term signing than Guehi, and it fits in with their recent recruitment model. The Merseyside club have spent significantly in recent years, but they have had a big focus on younger talents with high potential.
In fact, the Reds have signed eight first-team players aged 25 and under in their last 18 months alone, including the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
Targeting Jacquet fitted into their recruitment model, and although Guehi is still only 25 years old, the Reds clearly feel that he's reaching the peak of his powers, whereas Jacquet is only just getting started. The Rennes defender is just 20 years and has already become a regular in Ligue 1. Liverpool have forked out a fee of £60m, but they'll be hoping that looks like a bargain in a few years.