Liverpool reached a £60m agreement to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January, with his arrival deferred to this summer but fans will soon be able to see the Frenchman in Red.
Somewhat ironically, Jacquet has taken the No.5 jersey number that Ibrahima Konate vacated to make a free transfer to Real Madrid, with fans set to get a first glimpse of him on 26 July against Sunderland in Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly of the summer.
Speaking to Empire of the Kop (in association with WhoScored), broadcaster and commentator Kevin Hatchard said that Liverpool signing Jacquet should be seen as a brilliant piece of business.
Hatchard said: “I think this is a real coup because he’s been seen as the next big thing in terms of French centre-backs for quite a while. He was linked with Arsenal, [and] Chelsea were very keen to sign him as well. Liverpool have managed to elbow their way to the front of the queue and bring him in.
“There’s going to have to be an element of patience because he’s still very young, he’s still very raw, but all of the raw material is there. He’s good in the air, he’s really confident in possession, he’s a good tackler. I think with more games, Andoni Iraola will work very closely with him as well.
“I think in the long-term, he and Giovanni Leoni are probably going to be the centre-back pairing for Liverpool after [Virgil] van Dijk has gone, obviously. That’s for the future, but I think he’ll learn so much from working with Van Dijk. I think this is a really positive signing.”
Liverpool have the ingredients for a special long-term recipe with Jacquet and Leoni
It was a brutal blow to see Giovanni Leoni struck down by an ACL tear last season, but the Italian is back fit and ready for the 2026/27 season just in time for Jacquet’s arrival.
Both young centre-backs have been described as the most exciting in their age group and position.
The free transfer of Konate to Madrid leaves a sizeable gap in the backline which should, ideally, be addressed in the summer transfer window but if Liverpool neglect to replace the Parisian, Leoni and Jacquet will get a huge chance to make their mark.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.