Liverpool Poised to Secure £55m Deadline Day Deal for Rennes Defender Jeremy Jacquet
Liverpool Football Club are on the verge of completing a significant deadline day transfer, having agreed an initial £55million deal with French side Rennes for highly-rated defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds have successfully fended off strong competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United to secure the promising 20-year-old's signature.
The proposed agreement includes an additional £5million in performance-related bonuses, with the young French defender expected to return to Rennes on loan for the remainder of the current campaign once the transfer is finalised before the 7pm deadline.
Jacquet's Winning Mentality and Career Sacrifices
Jeremy Jacquet has demonstrated exactly the kind of mentality that Liverpool's recruitment team values, having previously made significant career choices to prioritise playing time over immediate prestige. In January 2024, the defender made the surprising decision to drop down a division, joining Ligue 2 outfit Clemert on loan rather than remaining with Rennes where first-team opportunities were limited.
Speaking to L'Equipe about that pivotal career decision, Jacquet explained: "It was either stay at Rennes with little playing time or go and discover something new. I chose minutes on the pitch - and it paid off."
The calculated risk proved successful, with Jacquet making 24 appearances during his loan spell before being recalled to Rennes in February last year, where he has since established himself as a first-team regular.
Family Values and Professional Approach
Jacquet attributes much of his professional approach to the values instilled by his family, stating: "I inherited respect and humility from them. With that, it's impossible for me to act like someone who doesn't want to work."
Regarding his decision to prioritise playing time during his formative years, the defender added: "When you're young, the most important thing is to play. That came from me and my family. I didn't hesitate. It shows I'm confident in myself and ready to make sacrifices to reach my goals."
Playing Style and Development Areas
The French defender has also given Liverpool supporters insight into what they can expect from his playing style once he eventually arrives at Anfield. "I'm calm on the ball, maybe I can look a bit nonchalant - but I'm focused," Jacquet explained. "What defines me is playing out well, breaking lines with the right pass."
He acknowledged areas for development, revealing that his current coach has encouraged him to "communicate more, to lead, to add a bit more aggression." Jacquet added: "I'm working on finding the right balance."
Strategic Acquisition for Liverpool's Defence
Should the transfer be completed as expected, Jeremy Jacquet will provide valuable reinforcement for manager Arne Slot's defensive options. Currently, Liverpool have only two fit senior centre-backs available in Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, making the addition of another quality defender particularly timely.
The young Frenchman's apparent preference for Liverpool over other interested clubs reportedly stems from his belief that he will secure more opportunities for first-team football at Anfield, aligning with his career-long philosophy of prioritising playing time to accelerate his development.
This strategic acquisition represents Liverpool's commitment to building for both the immediate future and long-term success, securing one of Europe's most promising defensive talents while allowing him continued development through a loan-back arrangement with his current club.
