Future Liverpool signing Jérémy Jacquet has revealed he has already started preparing for life on Merseyside after saying an emotional goodbye to Stade Rennais supporters.
The 20-year-old defender was honoured before Rennes’ final home game of the Ligue 1 season on Sunday as his long association with the French club moved closer to its conclusion.
Liverpool agreed a deal for Jacquet earlier this year, with the transfer expected to be formally completed this summer once the defender fully recovers from shoulder surgery.
Jacquet says farewell to Rennes supporters
Before Rennes’ 2-1 victory over Paris FC, Jacquet was presented to supporters at Roazhon Park in recognition of his development through the club’s academy system.
The young defender joined Rennes as a child and admitted the journey had not always been straightforward.
“I arrived here 11 or 12 years ago. I didn’t always have easy beginnings.”
Jacquet thanked academy staff and supporters for continuing to believe in him throughout his progression into the first team.
The farewell became even more emotional given his upcoming move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool move already on his mind
After the ceremony, Jacquet confirmed he has already started learning about Liverpool and preparing for the next stage of his career.
“I’ve already started, but I have time.”
Having followed Liverpool’s defensive planning closely, the club view Jacquet as an important long-term addition following repeated attempts to strengthen at centre-back over recent transfer windows.
Liverpool were previously heavily linked with Marc Guéhi before eventually turning attention towards Jacquet.
The Frenchman’s profile — athletic, composed in possession and comfortable defending aggressively — fits the type of defender Liverpool have increasingly targeted.
Injury delayed important development period
Jacquet has not played since agreeing his move to Liverpool after suffering a serious shoulder injury earlier this year.
The defender underwent surgery in March and is expected to return fully fit during pre-season preparations this summer.
Liverpool are planning for him to travel on the club’s United States pre-season tour as part of his integration into the squad.
The injury did interrupt a crucial developmental period, however.
Jacquet has made only 31 senior league appearances for Rennes, meaning Liverpool are still investing heavily in long-term potential rather than immediate finished product.
Liverpool’s defensive future evolving
Liverpool’s centre-back planning has become increasingly important following injuries and squad uncertainty across the season.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have continued to lead the defence, while young defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious long-term injury during his debut campaign.
That situation has increased the importance of incoming young defenders capable of developing into future starters.
Jacquet’s arrival is therefore seen internally as part of a wider long-term rebuild at the back.
What’s next?
Jacquet will continue recovering from shoulder surgery before linking up with Liverpool during pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
For Liverpool, integrating one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders will become an important project over the coming months.
Much will depend on how quickly the Frenchman adapts physically and tactically to English football.
Can Jeremy Jacquet become Liverpool’s next long-term defensive star?
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