Liverpool are reportedly confident they have won a major transfer battle with Chelsea after securing the signing of highly-rated defender Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the summer window.
The Reds moved decisively to sign the Rennes centre-back earlier this year, and there is now growing belief within the club that they have pulled off a significant coup by beating strong Premier League competition to his signature.
At the time, Liverpool were branded ‘suckers’ for paying £60m (€72m) to complete the signing, but Jacquet is one of the best young defenders in Europe.
The 20-year-old attracted serious attention across Europe, but Liverpool are said to be particularly pleased to have secured his services before rival clubs could intervene.
Dominic King, speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast, explained Liverpool’s opinion of Jacquet ahead of his summer arrival on Merseyside.
He says: “I think Liverpool need hungry players. I think that this regeneration needs to come. So they bought Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in terms of, you know, he’s a young lad who’s going to develop, who’s hungry to succeed.
“They believe that deal is a coup. They know that there was an awful lot of clubs around Europe looking to get him, particularly Chelsea.
“But he chose Liverpool because he was sold on how he could develop with Liverpool. I think that’s the type of profile that they will look at.”
?? BREAKING: Jeremy Jacquet to Liverpool, here we go! Deal agreed now for June 2026, as revealed.
Understand fee is €60m plus €10m add-ons to Rennes. Jeremy has agreed personal terms with #LFC.
Agreement done for summer 2026 for one of the most talented CBs in the world. pic.twitter.com/eVoA75oAiQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
Liverpool need several defenders – the buck doesn’t stop with Jacquet
Jacquet’s arrival comes at an important moment for Liverpool, with defensive changes expected in the coming months.
Reports suggest Liverpool were determined not to repeat previous transfer disappointments after missing out on other defensive targets earlier in the window.
When Rennes made it clear that a deal could be struck, Liverpool acted quickly and met the French club’s valuation, ensuring the player would arrive at Anfield ahead of the new season.
Ibrahima Konate’s future remains uncertain even at this late stage in the season, so there could be further defensive signings this summer. The Frenchman is out of contract on 30 June 2026 as things stand.
Ibrahima Konate, what we’re hearing about his future:
?? No breakthrough in contract talks with Liverpool
?? Dressing room sources believe he will stay
?? Player wants a big increase on £150k-a-week deal
?? Lack of options after Real Madrid ended interest
? @greggevans40 and… pic.twitter.com/sskYN5Z3pN
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 2, 2026
Speculation continues to link Joe Gomez with a summer exit, while Andy Robertson could leave in search of game time.
Similarly, the right back situation post-Trent Alexander-Arnold remains imperfect. The Scouser doesn’t have a 1-to-1 replacement in the entire world of football, so Liverpool need to find an acceptable compromise with the jury out on Jeremie Frimpong.
There have been recent links to Denzel Dumfries, but the Dutchman is almost 30 and therefore doesn’t fit the LFC transfer profile.