Arne Slot has hailed Liverpool’s capture of Jeremy Jacquet as a major statement of intent, describing the Rennes defender as a “very big talent” and praising the club’s hierarchy for winning a fierce transfer battle to secure his signature.
The 20-year-old centre-back will join Liverpool this summer after the Reds agreed a deal that could rise to £60 million, beating off strong competition from Chelsea to land one of Europe’s most highly rated young defenders.
Liverpool beat rivals to secure Jacquet deal
Liverpool confirmed Jacquet’s signing on a long-term contract following an intense race that played out on the final day of the winter window. The agreement includes an initial £55m fee, with add-ons taking the total package to £60m, making Jacquet the most expensive sale in Rennes’ history.
A key component of the deal allows Jacquet to remain with Rennes for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. That condition was central to Rennes’ willingness to sell, with the Ligue 1 side currently sixth and pushing for European qualification.
For Liverpool, the early agreement ensures Jacquet will officially arrive at Anfield on 1 July 2026, having already logged 18 league starts this season, missing only two matches through suspension.
Slot delivers glowing verdict on ‘very big talent’
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City, Slot was effusive in his praise for both the player and the club’s recruitment team.
“Very pleased, of course, because first of all, he is a very big talent — and maybe even more than ‘only’ a talent,” — Arne Slot
Slot also highlighted the competitive nature of the deal as a source of pride.
“We weren’t the only ones interested in him. So that’s another big compliment to the people working every single day to sign players like this,” — Arne Slot
The Liverpool head coach framed Jacquet’s arrival as another example of the club’s long-term recruitment model, focused on young players with the capacity to impact both immediately and in the future.
Planning beyond Van Dijk already underway
Jacquet’s signing is widely viewed as part of Liverpool’s succession planning in central defence. Club captain Virgil van Dijk turns 35 this summer and, while still performing at an elite level, Slot acknowledged the importance of forward planning.
“Everything that is done is never from panic. It’s always a long-term idea, thought about by multiple people,” — Arne Slot
Slot added that while Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s present, the club are fully aware that a transition will eventually be required.
Strengthening a young defensive core
Jacquet will join an emerging defensive group at Liverpool that already includes Giovanni Leoni, signed last summer. Although Leoni is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, he is expected to be fit by the time Jacquet arrives for pre-season.
The move also offers security amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konaté’s contract, with the defender yet to agree an extension beyond June 2027. By acting early, Liverpool have ensured elite depth regardless of future contract outcomes.
Key Insights
- Liverpool beat Chelsea to sign Jeremy Jacquet
- Deal could rise to £60m, a Rennes club record
- Jacquet will remain in Ligue 1 until summer 2026
- Slot praised the club’s long-term recruitment model
- Signing seen as part of Van Dijk succession planning
What’s Next
Jacquet will continue his development at Rennes before linking up with Liverpool next summer, while Slot and the club’s recruitment team remain focused on reinforcing key areas ahead of the new season. With several young signings already bedding in, Liverpool’s medium-to-long-term outlook appears increasingly well structured.
Has Liverpool struck gold by securing Jacquet early, or does the price reflect the growing premium on elite young defenders?
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