Liverpool have reportedly agreed a £60 million deal to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, hijacking Chelsea's move for the 20-year-old Frenchman on transfer deadline day. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal is worth around €70 million (£60 million) including add-ons, with Jacquet set to join the Reds in the summer rather than immediately.
Jacquet, considered one of the most promising defenders in world football, had been heavily linked with Chelsea and had agreed personal terms with the Blues. However, Chelsea struggled to convince Rennes to sell this month, as the Ligue 1 side wanted to keep him until the summer, allowing Liverpool to swoop in.
The signing is a coup for Liverpool, but it does little to address their current defensive injury crisis. Right-backs Conor Bradley and summer signing Geovanni Leoni are out for the season, while Jeremie Frrimpong picked up an injury in the Champions League. Calvin Ramsey is the only fit specialist right-back, with midfielders Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai having filled in at full-back.
Earlier on deadline day, Liverpool looked set to sign Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from Sunderland, but the move collapsed as Sunderland needed to sign a replacement first. Geertruida, on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, is expected to stay at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool invested £450 million in the summer but missed out on Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City for £30 million. Manager Arne Slot had previously said he did not expect further transfers, but after a 4-1 win over Newcastle, he hinted at possible activity, saying, 'Let's see where the window ends up.'
