Liverpool has officially completed the signing of defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal valued at £60m. The France Under-21s international has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year at Anfield. The transfer was confirmed on Wednesday, subject to international clearance, following a medical completed by Jacquet in February.
The initial fee for Jacquet is £55m, with an additional £5m potentially payable in performance-related add-ons. Jacquet expressed his excitement about joining the club, stating, “I feel really good, the first impressions are good and I am very happy to start here. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started. For me it’s a big dream, it’s a big club. A club like Liverpool, it’s a big dream for me.”
Jacquet, who is 20 years old, was also pursued by other prominent European clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Reports indicate that Chelsea offered an identical deal to Liverpool, but Jacquet ultimately chose to move to Anfield.
Jacquet’s fitness and role at Anfield
Earlier this year, Jacquet sustained a shoulder injury shortly after Liverpool’s agreement with Rennes was announced. However, he has since completed a rehabilitation programme and is currently engaged in individual fitness work. He is expected to be available for the start of pre-season training under the new head coach, Andoni Iraola.
Jacquet is set to join Liverpool’s first-team squad as one of their centre-backs. He will compete for a starting position alongside established defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Geovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez. Leoni, whose first season at Anfield was impacted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is also anticipated to be fit for the commencement of pre-season.
The acquisition of Jacquet aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of identifying and recruiting emerging elite talent. The club has focused on lowering the average age of its first-team squad, with the average age of their first-team signings over the last two transfer windows being under 22.
Expert opinions on the new signing
Football expert Julien Laurens described Jacquet as “the real deal,” despite his youth and lack of experience in top-tier European competitions like the Champions League or Europa League. Laurens highlighted Jacquet’s impressive performance last season after returning from a loan spell in the second division.
Laurens drew comparisons between Jacquet and other notable defenders, mentioning William Saliba when he emerged at Saint-Etienne, and Wesley Fofana. He noted that while Jacquet is a young player, his potential and talent warrant the significant investment.
Another European football expert, Kevin Hatchard, acknowledged Jacquet as a “rising star” who has captained numerous youth groups for France. Hatchard praised Jacquet’s attributes, including his ability on the ball, passing range, athleticism, and aerial prowess. However, Hatchard also pointed out that Jacquet does not have an extensive record in top-level football.
Hatchard mentioned Jacquet’s successful loan spell at Clermont and his recent performances for Rennes. He indicated that Rennes highly valued Jacquet, with his coach, Habib Beye, reportedly stating that letting Jacquet go would necessitate downgrading the team’s seasonal goals. Jacquet passed his medical with Liverpool in February.
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Source: skysports.com
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”