Liverpool FC pulled off a significant deadline day coup, agreeing a deal to sign French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes. The 20-year-old joins the Reds in a move that won’t take effect until July 1, 2026, positioning him as a long-term defensive addition.
Manager Arne Slot, speaking about the incoming talent, expressed his excitement and made sure to credit the club’s hierarchy for getting the transfer done. Slot said it was “very pleasing” to land Jacquet.
The Deal for Jacquet
The Reds paid a substantial fee for Jacquet. The transfer involves a €60 million base fee, plus another €12 million in add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano via OneFootball. This means the total package sits around €72 million.
Reports also showed fees like £55 million initial or £60 million, but Romano confirms the higher figure after the announcement. Jacquet signed a long contract too, running until June 2031 with an option for an extra year. That’s a five-year deal with a 12-month extension clause.
Jacquet underwent his medical on deadline day. He remains with Rennes for the rest of the 2025-26 season. It’s an unusual pre-agreed structure, activating in the summer of 2026. This suits Liverpool’s recruitment style, focusing on young players. Jacquet is meant to improve the team in both the short and long term, a strategy Arne Slot mentioned.
Arne Slot’s Vision and the Board’s Work
Arne Slot didn’t hide his enthusiasm for Jacquet. He called the player a “very big talent.” Slot also acknowledged the competition Liverpool faced for Jacquet’s signature.
“We weren’t the only one interested in him so it’s a big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players,” Slot told Sky Sports. This highlights the effort from the Liverpool board and transfer team.
“He’s a very big talent and maybe even more than talent but we speak about talent because of his age. Second, because we weren’t the only one interested in him so it’s a big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players.”
– Arne Slot
Slot added that Jacquet fits the club’s model. “Such a big talent and another example of the model we’re using at this club — young, very talented players… that are young and can improve us in the short term but also definitely in the long term.”
It’s a clear statement on where Liverpool wants to go. Building for the future, getting young players in early.
Fending Off Rivals and Looking Ahead
Liverpool beat out other major clubs to get Jacquet. Chelsea, apparently, was a main competitor. Sources say Liverpool “hijacked” the move from the London club, as OneFootball reported. Multiple European teams were interested.
Rennes held onto Jacquet until 2026, letting them get the best possible price for him. This shows how highly-rated Jacquet is across the continent.
Jacquet’s arrival addresses a key area for Liverpool. They sit sixth in the Premier League. Defensive reinforcement is always needed, especially with injuries.
Jeremie Frimpong is out for the weekend, and Joe Gomez might be on the bench. Jacquet is expected to join another central defender in bolstering the backline.
It’s a waiting game for Liverpool fans now. Jacquet won’t play for them until July 2026. But the club has secured a significant piece for its long-term strategy.
Next up for Liverpool is a home clash against Manchester City on Sunday, February 8, 2026. That’s a big game. They need to focus on current results while planning for the future.
