Jeremy Jacquet has yet to feature for Liverpool since joining from Rennes in a deal with $81 million, and Robbie Fowler hopes that he can deliver on his big reputation
18:00, 28 Jul 2026
Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes in a deal worth $81 million
Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes in a deal worth $81 million(Image: Getty Images)
New signing Jeremy Jacquet has yet to feature for Liverpool in preseason, and Robbie Fowler has his "fingers crossed" that the defender won't crumble under the pressure of representing the club.
Liverpool splashed $81 million on the former Rennes defender, who impressed during his short stint in the top two French divisions. Jacquet is seen as a natural replacement for Ibrahima Konate, and has already taken the No. 5 jersey that was vacated when he left for Real Madrid.
Although he has only played 88 career games, Jacquet arrives at Liverpool with a big reputation, one that Fowler hopes he can justify. However, he admitted that there's always an added weight of expectation when playing for Liverpool and hopes it doesn't affect his performance.
Fowler was asked about Jacquet's arrival during an exclusive interview with Liverpool.com, ahead of Wednesday's preseason game against Wrexham in New York City. "I don’t think anyone knows much about him other than watching him in the league he was playing," Fowler said.
"Comes in with a big reputation, but I think we’ve seen players come to the club in the past with a reputation. It’s about how he performs and how he brings out the best version of him, coming to a new country and playing for a massive club in Liverpool. Everyone adapts differently.
"It’s a new challenge for him, a fresh challenge. Let’s just hope the shirt isn’t too heavy for him. Some players kind of get lost in that shirt.
Robbie Fowler hopes that Jacquet can deal with the pressure of playing for Liverpool
Robbie Fowler hopes that Jacquet can deal with the pressure of playing for Liverpool(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
“We as a football club, we need all the players to sort of come to the forefront as soon as possible. Fingers crossed for him, hopefully we can see him soon."
Jacquet is expected to play alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back, though Giovani Leoni is also a highly rated prospect. Veteran defender Joe Gomez was also expected to be an important option, with the belief that he could start the season.
However, Gomez suffered an injury just seven minutes into Liverpool's preseason opener against Sunderland and was withdrawn as a precaution. Fowler was devastated for Gomez, as this preseason was a great opportunity for him to impress new head coach Andoni Iraola.
"Unfortunately he’s broke down at the wrong moment because he probably had a chance to go and shine this preseason and maybe stop people talking about players and players coming into the club," Fowler added.
Joe Gomez was forced off just 10 minutes into Liverpool's opening preseason friendly
Joe Gomez was forced off just 10 minutes into Liverpool's opening preseason friendly(Image: Getty Images)
"But obviously with the likes of Virgil and Joe, I think very instrumental in bringing out the experience for the younger players who are gonna be in that position as well. Yeah, sad for Joe getting injured, I’m sure he will be a real presence around the place anyway."
Although Gomez had a chance to impress, Fowler also spoke of the importance Iraola's arrival could have in training. "I think with a new manager coming in, it’s a fresh start. It’s fairly obvious that’s the case," he said.
"I think it gives a player that new lease of life to come in and try and impress the new manager. Everyone is maybe starting again. And I quite like that ethos and mentality.
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"I think as much as managers say that, it’s not always the case. But with this one, it gives a chance for a lot of players to get that freshness and show the manager what they’re capable of."