OFFICIAL: Liverpool complete Jeremy Jacquet signing

Liverpool have announced that they have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

The 20-year-old wonderkid is set to join the Reds in the summer after a weeks-long transfer saga that mainly centred around a move to Chelsea. It was the Blues who were pushing hard to sign Jacquet in the January transfer window.

However, Rennes made it emphatically clear that the player was not for sale mid-season. Any deal would have to be exclusively for the summer. Chelsea reluctantly agreed to these terms, but despite claims that the player had his heart set on joining, they were ultimately snubbed.

The Stamford Bridge club’s scattergun recruitment ultimately worked against them. Chelsea have a host of defensive options already at the club, prompting concerns in Jacquet’s camp that he could find his path to regular football blocked.

Liverpool, on the other hand, were able to show the prodigy a clear pathway and long-term strategy. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konate potentially leaving on a free transfer, Jacquet could become an immediate starter next season.

Liverpool sign Jacquet

Liverpool has now officially announced the signing of the centre-back. The deal is believed to be worth up to €72 million, consisting of €60m guaranteed and €12m in potential add-ons. Jacquet has signed a contract until 2031 and completed his medical on Monday.

“Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance,” the club announced in a succint statement.

“The Reds have secured a deal for the 20-year-old that will see him complete the remainder of the current campaign in Ligue 1 and move to Anfield in the summer on a long-term contract. Jacquet, who has five caps for France U21s, has made 18 appearances for Rennes in his country’s top flight so far this season.

“Overall, the centre-back has figured on 31 occasions for Rennes since making his debut in January 2024. He also gained Ligue 1 experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot. In 2024, Jacquet helped France to the final of the U19 European Championship, during which he was named in the Team of the Tournament.”

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Deadline Day LIVE! Every rumour, update and done deal across Europe

Deadline Day: Every official confirmed transfer around Europe

Premier League January transfers 2026: All the Done Deals

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store