Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are set for a busy summer in defence.
Injuries have tested the squad across the season, and the club are already planning ahead.
One deal is now in place as Liverpool have agreed terms with Stade Rennais for Jeremy Jacquet to arrive at Anfield in the summer.
The 20-year-old is also currently working his way back after an injury setback last weekend, so his fitness will be a story to track.
Jacquet has taken a fast route to this moment.
Rennes signed the France U21 international from Racing Club de Joinville in 2019 and brought him through the academy.
He spent five years in the youth setup before moving into the first team in 2022. He then went out on a season-long loan at Clermont Foot 63.
Last summer, he returned to Rennes and made himself a regular in Ligue 1.
That run pushed him into transfer window talk.
There was real competition.
Chelsea were concretely pursuing him in the winter market.
Liverpool moved late, pushed hard, and convinced the defender with their project.
He is now heading for the Premier League after what Le Parisien called a “sensational year”, with Rennes selling him for over €70m.
From a Liverpool point of view, the PSG angle is the most telling detail.
Le Parisien say PSG had him on youth scouting lists, but chose not to act.
A former PSG recruitment figure explained the thinking, “PSG hesitated between him and Sékou Doucouré, whose profile was more in line with the club’s development philosophy.”
“Jacquet had talent, but he seemed less technically prepared.”
Rennes’ former scout Khaled Gaarba also gave key background on how early the player was spotted and why he took time to convince people.
“When I first saw him in Joinville, there weren’t many clubs interested in him. I asked to see his father, Dominique, who ran the club’s refreshment stand,” Gaarba said.
He also explained the early setback and the response from Rennes: “After maturing even further, he won everyone over.”
“He injured his shoulder before he even got to touch the ball.
“Jeremy was gutted, but we immediately reassured him by explaining that if he was there, it was because we believed in him.”
Then came the turning point, “He came back for a training camp at the end of the season, this time at 100% fitness, and after maturing even further, that’s when he won everyone over.”
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