Image source: BBC Sports
Liverpool’s long-term planning continues to take shape, and this time the focus is firmly on the heart of defence. Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is set to undergo a medical with the Reds ahead of a potential £60 million move to Anfield, a deal that underlines the club’s intent to build for both the present and the future.
While the French defender will not arrive during the current transfer window, all signs point toward a summer move that could see one of Europe’s most promising young centre-halves join Liverpool on a long-term contract. The agreement reflects careful strategy rather than urgency, a hallmark of Liverpool’s recent transfer approach.
Deal Structure and Contract Details
Liverpool and Rennes have already reached an agreement in principle on the structure of the deal. The base fee stands at £55 million, with a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons. If completed, Jacquet would sign a five-and-a-half-year contract running until the summer of 2031, with an option to extend by a further year.
For a 20-year-old defender, that length of contract speaks volumes. Liverpool are not just signing for depth. They are investing in a player they believe can anchor their defence for years to come. The timing of the move also suggests confidence. By allowing Jacquet to finish the season in Ligue 1, Liverpool gain a player who arrives match-ready, mature, and battle-tested.
Why Liverpool Are Willing to Wait
The decision to delay Jacquet’s arrival until the summer window is a calculated one. Liverpool are well stocked at centre-back for the remainder of the season, and rushing a young defender into a new league rarely benefits anyone.
By keeping Jacquet at Rennes until the end of the campaign, Liverpool allow him continuity and responsibility. He remains a key figure for his current club while preparing for a major step up. This approach reduces pressure and increases the chances of a smoother transition when he finally pulls on a red shirt.
It also fits Liverpool’s wider recruitment philosophy. Rather than panic buys or short-term fixes, the club prefers targeted moves that align with long-term squad planning.
Who Is Jeremy Jacquet?
Jeremy Jacquet may still be only 20, but his rise has been rapid and impressive. A regular starter for Rennes, he has built a reputation as a composed, intelligent centre-back with a strong physical presence. Standing tall and reading the game well, Jacquet combines traditional defensive qualities with the modern skills required at the top level.
He is comfortable playing out from the back, confident under pressure, and rarely rushed into mistakes. These traits have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition at international level with France’s Under-21 side.
For a young defender, consistency is often the biggest challenge. Jacquet has shown an unusual level of maturity, maintaining his standards even in high-pressure Ligue 1 fixtures against elite opposition.
Tactical Fit at Anfield
Liverpool’s system demands more from centre-backs than simple defending. They are expected to hold a high line, cover large spaces, and initiate attacks with accurate distribution. Jacquet appears tailor-made for that role.
His positional awareness allows him to step out confidently when required, while his recovery pace helps protect against counterattacks. He is also strong in aerial duels, an area Liverpool have looked to reinforce in recent seasons.
Under Liverpool’s coaching setup, Jacquet’s game could reach another level. The emphasis on structure, pressing discipline, and ball progression should suit his strengths and help iron out the rough edges that come with youth.
A Statement of Intent from Liverpool
A potential £60 million investment in a defender who will not arrive immediately sends a clear message. Liverpool are thinking ahead. They are planning for squad evolution rather than reacting to problems as they arise.
With several senior defenders entering the later stages of their peak years, bringing in a young, high-ceiling centre-back now makes sense. Jacquet would have time to adapt, learn, and gradually establish himself without the burden of instant expectations.
This move also reinforces Liverpool’s growing focus on elite young talent. Rather than chasing quick fixes, the club is prioritising players who can form the spine of the team for the next decade.
What This Means for Rennes
For Rennes, the deal represents both a financial windfall and a testament to their development model. Producing a defender capable of commanding a fee of this size highlights the quality of their scouting and coaching setup.
Allowing Jacquet to stay until the summer also benefits the club competitively. They retain one of their most important players during a crucial phase of the season while securing a significant transfer fee in advance. It is a deal that works for all parties, provided the final formalities are completed smoothly.
Pressure, Expectations, and the Anfield Spotlight
Moving to Liverpool brings a different level of scrutiny. Anfield is not a forgiving place for hesitation, especially for defenders. Every mistake is magnified, every performance dissected.
However, the timing of Jacquet’s arrival could be key. Joining in pre-season allows him to integrate gradually, learn the tactical demands, and build relationships with teammates before competitive action begins.
The long-term contract also offers stability. Jacquet will not be expected to be the finished product on day one. Liverpool clearly see him as a project with elite potential rather than a plug-and-play solution.
France Under-21s and International Pedigree
Jacquet’s involvement with France’s Under-21 side adds another layer of credibility. France’s youth teams are notoriously competitive, and regular selection suggests a player operating at a high technical and mental level.
International experience, even at youth level, helps young defenders mature faster. Exposure to different tactical systems and styles of play will only benefit Jacquet as he prepares for the intensity of the Premier League. Liverpool’s recruitment team has long valued players with strong international foundations, and Jacquet fits that profile well.
Final Thoughts: A Summer Move That Makes Sense
Jeremy Jacquet’s upcoming medical is more than a routine step in the transfer process. It represents Liverpool’s confidence in a player they believe can shape their defensive future. The fee, the contract length, and the willingness to wait all point toward a carefully considered move rather than a gamble.
If the deal is completed as expected, Liverpool will welcome a young defender with composure, physicality, and significant upside. For Jacquet, the move offers a platform few clubs can match, with world-class facilities, elite coaching, and the chance to compete at the highest level.
While fans will have to wait until summer to see him in red, the anticipation alone makes this transfer one to watch closely. Sometimes the smartest moves are the ones made early, quietly, and with the future firmly in mind.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com