Liverpool’s new signing Jeremy Jacquet could have ended up at a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, but by his own admission, it was always meant to be Liverpool.
If no more big moves are made today, it will still be a success in the eyes of many.
That’s because Liverpool signed Jacquet ahead of Chelsea, Man United, and Bayern Munich, showing that the Reds are able competitors in the market.
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It’s not that it didn’t take some convincing. Liverpool promised Jacquet a key role in the squad.
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Liverpool's 2026/27 predicted XI - GRV Media line-up
Liverpool’s 2026/27 predicted XI – GRV Media line-up
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But the player’s footballing idols — who he revealed back in October — are now going to be his teammates.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are Jeremy Jacquet’s idols
Liverpool’s current starting centre-backs have formed an elite duo over the past few seasons, and cemented themselves amongst Europe’s elite.
And their presence in the Liverpool dressing room might have swayed Jacquet in our direction.
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Back in October, the 20-year-old was asked who his biggest idols are.
As seen on the Ligue 1 website, he answered: “As a defender, Van Dijk and Konaté.”
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate chat during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Van Dijk’s mention comes as no surprise. He is the best centre-back of this decade, and someone who young players look up to. As for Konate, he doesn’t have the same prestige in world football, but his fellow countryman clearly admires him greatly.
There’s always the chance that Jacquet’s answer was very intentional to make his affinity for Liverpool clear. Either way, it goes some way to explaining his decision to come to Anfield.
Jacquet may only get to play with one of his Liverpool idols
Captain Van Dijk isn’t going anywhere, but his defensive partner’s future is less clear.
Konate’s Liverpool contract debacle is yet to see a resolution, and there’s every chance he leaves in the summer as a free agent.
If that were to happen, it would be interesting to see what FSG decide. Will they go for another established centre-half, or will Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni be given the chance to make the starting spot their own next season?
Make a bold prediction about Liverpool’s exciting new defensive duo 👇
Giovanni Leoni poses at the AXA Training Centre after signing for Liverpool (Credit: Getty Images/Nikki Dyer - LFC).
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring for France U19 in the European Championship against Northern Ireland (Credit: Getty Images/Ramsey Cardy - Sportsfile/UEFA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Nikki Dyer/LFC/Ramsey Cardy – Sportsfile/UEFA
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Another interesting question is whether Jacquet wants his idol to stay. Maybe he smells opportunity to fast-track his career on Merseyside.
For now, there is still half a season to play at Rennes, but this is a conversation that will be had from here until the summer.
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