Liverpool have secured the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for £55 million plus add-ons, beating Chelsea in the race for the 20-year-old. The France under-21 international will remain at the Ligue 1 club for the rest of the season before moving to Anfield in the summer.
Chelsea had been in advanced talks in January and were confident of agreeing a fee and personal terms. However, the deal fell through after speculation that Mamadou Sarr would return from his loan at Strasbourg, and the club's determination to keep academy graduate Josh Acheampong. Additionally, the possibility of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate leaving Anfield when his contract expires in the summer is understood to have influenced Jacquet's decision.
Jacquet has made 18 appearances for Rennes this season and has attracted interest from several European clubs. Liverpool have also been linked with Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano, who is delaying a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
For Chelsea, the failed pursuit is a blow as central defence is a priority, especially with Levi Colwill out for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that Acheampong is part of his plans and will not be sold, while Sarr is expected to return from Strasbourg and Aaron Anselmino will move to the Ligue 1 side before the deadline.
