Image Credits: Imago Images
The 20-year-old French centre-back, who boasts five caps for France U21s, has been snapped up in a deal worth £55m upfront plus £5m in add-ons, signing a long-term contract until 2031 with an option for an extra year. He’ll finish the season with Ligue 1 side Rennes, who sit sixth and chasing European spots, before linking up at Anfield in the summer.
Chelsea had offered the same deal, but with Mamadou Sarr returning to Stamford Bridge and Josh Acheampong staying, Jacquet opted for Anfield, where he is expected to get more game time.
Liverpool currently have limited centre-back options, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate the only fit senior players, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined.
Konate’s contract expires this summer, making Jacquet a key addition. The move follows Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer, who instead joined Manchester City for £20m in January.
Now Arne Slot has spoken for the first time on the signing:
“Very pleasing because he is a very big talent and maybe even more than a talent but we speak cause of his age. We weren’t the only ones interested in him so a big compliment to those who are signing the players.”
“Another example of the model we use at this club: young, talented at the start of their careers, and can improve and help us for short and definitely long term. We have signed a lot of those recently and the mid to long-term future is in as very good place.”
The fee smashes Rennes’ previous record sale (Jeremy Doku) and beat out Chelsea, who had a deal lined up but pulled back amid their own squad reshuffles in January.
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