Liverpool concluded a relatively subdued January transfer window with one significant piece of business, agreeing a major deal for a defensive reinforcement that will take effect in the summer. Despite the deadline passing, speculation continues to swirl around potential future moves, with one key target receiving a notable boost.
Jeremy Jacquet Deal Agreed
In the closing stages of the window, Liverpool moved to secure a £60 million agreement to sign defender Jeremy Jacquet from French club Rennes. The Reds reportedly beat Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal to the player's signature. Jacquet will not join the Liverpool squad until the summer transfer window opens, meaning Arne Slot's side must navigate the remainder of the current campaign with their existing defensive options.
The pursuit of Jacquet came amid widespread reports that Liverpool were seeking to strengthen their backline during January. With that deal now in place, the focus shifts to integrating him ahead of next season, while the immediate task is a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City at Anfield this weekend.
Joel Ordonez Situation Clarified
Liverpool have received encouraging news regarding Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, who was linked with a move to Anfield earlier in the January window. According to reports from The Athletic, Crystal Palace submitted a deadline-day bid for the player, but it was swiftly rejected by the Belgian club.
No further offer has been reported since, leaving Ordonez's future uncertain. With Liverpool having already committed to the Jacquet transfer, it remains to be seen whether they will reignite their interest in Ordonez in the coming months, particularly once the Jacquet deal is formally completed.
Curtis Jones Stays Put
Midfielder Curtis Jones was the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a loan move to Inter Milan, potentially including an option to buy. However, Liverpool firmly resisted any approach to let the player leave Anfield before the deadline.
This decision had a ripple effect on the transfer market, as explained by Giuseppe Riso, the agent of Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi. Riso revealed that Nottingham Forest had shown interest in Frattesi, but the chain of moves stalled because Liverpool refused to sanction Jones' departure.
"There was interest from Lazio and Nottingham," Riso told Sky Sports Italy. "Then Liverpool wouldn't let Jones go, and in the end, everything ground to a halt. Inter don't want to do without him right now and didn't want to move on."
As the window closes, Liverpool's squad remains intact with Jones, while their summer planning is already underway with the Jacquet agreement. The club now turns its full attention to the pitch, aiming to climb the Premier League table and secure Champions League qualification.
