Liverpool
Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet is close to making his long-awaited debut after recovering from the shoulder injury that disrupted his pre-season. The 21-year-old is expected to return in one of Liverpool’s remaining pre-season friendlies, giving head coach Andoni Iraola the chance to assess him before the Premier League season begins.
Liverpool paid £60 million to sign Jacquet from Rennes earlier this year. The club believe he can replace Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the years ahead. But their plans have changed. Injuries and a lack of options at the back mean the 21-year-old could reach the first team much sooner than expected.
Injuries accelerate Jacquet’s opportunity
Liverpool initially signed Jacquet with the plan of easing him into the first team behind experienced defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. However, those plans changed after Konate left the club at the end of last season. Joe Gomez also suffered another injury during pre-season, while teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered on his Liverpool debut last September.
As reported by Sky Sports, Jacquet has been out since February with a shoulder injury he suffered during his final months at Rennes. He was due to make his unofficial Liverpool debut against Leeds but still felt discomfort. The French defender is now aiming to return for Liverpool’s final pre-season friendlies against Monaco or Como before the Reds begin their Premier League campaign away to Newcastle United.
Why Liverpool spent £60m on Jacquet
Liverpool beat competition from Chelsea and Bayern Munich to sign Jacquet in the summer. The defender came through Rennes’ respected academy before earning a place in the club’s first team. Rennes even cut short one of his loan spells because they believed he was ready to play a bigger role.
Rennes were determined to keep him until the end of last season as part of the agreement with Liverpool. That decision showed how highly the French club rated him. Liverpool saw Jacquet as a long-term investment rather than simply another defensive signing. His ability to play out from the back, win aerial duels and remain calm under pressure made him an attractive option for modern football.
Liverpool Football Stadium - Anfield
Liverpool Football Stadium - Anfield
A leader with outstanding potential
Jacquet has little senior experience, but Liverpool believe they have signed one of France’s brightest young talents. The 21-year-old captained France at every youth level from Under-17 to Under-20. He also led his country at the 2024 European Under-19 Championship and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Jacquet started his career as a midfielder, and he believes that role helped him become more comfortable on the ball. He is a strong passer, stays calm in possession and moves well across the pitch. Those qualities convinced Liverpool to spend heavily on the young Frenchman.
Jacquet completed more than 90 per cent of his passes in Ligue 1 last season. He also ranked among the league’s best defenders in aerial duels. His mix of passing ability and physical strength has earned comparisons with some of France’s top young centre-backs.
If Jacquet settles in quickly, he could become one of Liverpool’s best signings of the summer. Replacing experienced players is never easy. Still, Liverpool believe he has the leadership, technical skills and physical strength to succeed in the Premier League.
His long-awaited debut now appears close. Liverpool supporters will hope the wait proves worthwhile as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders prepares to begin his Anfield career.
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