Liverpool's significant £60 million defensive acquisition, Jeremy Jacquet, is scheduled for shoulder surgery this week, casting serious doubt over whether he will ever play again for his current club, Rennes. The 20-year-old French centre-back, who finalised his move to Anfield in January but remained with the Ligue 1 side until the summer, has been sidelined with a persistent shoulder issue.
Injury Timeline and Surgical Decision
The injury occurred in early February, just days after Jacquet agreed to join Arne Slot's Liverpool squad. He dislocated his shoulder during Rennes' match against Lens on February 7, forcing him off the pitch in the 66th minute. Following extensive consultations between Rennes and Liverpool medical teams, it was determined that surgery was the necessary course of action due to ongoing pain.
Recovery Timeline and Implications
Typical recovery from this type of shoulder surgery ranges between two-and-a-half to three months. This timeline means Jacquet is unlikely to feature again for Rennes this season, potentially marking an abrupt end to his tenure with the French club before his anticipated summer transfer. The injury represents a substantial setback for both the player and Rennes, who have had to adapt their defensive formation in his absence.
Liverpool's Perspective and Manager Comments
Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on the unfortunate timing of the injury, noting the apparent extension of his team's misfortune to incoming players. "Even if we sign a player and he's not even playing for us he gets injured," Slot remarked. "Sometimes it feels like that but the moment you start to feel it's all bad luck, it probably comes to you as well so we should keep it away as much as possible and focus on the performance and what we can do to improve it."
Transfer Details and Competitive Interest
The transfer agreement between Liverpool and Rennes is valued at £55 million guaranteed, with potential add-ons reaching up to £5 million. Jacquet has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Liverpool, featuring an option for an additional year. The young defender was subject to intense competition from several top European clubs, most notably Chelsea, who offered identical terms.
Chelsea's pursuit diminished when it became clear that Mamadou Sarr would return to Stamford Bridge and Josh Acheampong would remain with the club. Liverpool's longstanding interest intensified late in the transfer window, with Jacquet ultimately preferring the career pathway offered at Anfield over Chelsea's proposal.
Player Profile and Defensive Impact
Jeremy Jacquet has established himself as one of Europe's most promising defensive prospects during his time at Rennes. Operating primarily in a three-man defence, he became a key component of their backline before his injury. His absence has prompted Rennes to switch to a back-four system, highlighting his importance to their tactical setup.
The surgery represents not just a personal challenge for the young Frenchman, but also a significant development in the lead-up to his high-profile move to the Premier League, where Liverpool supporters will eagerly await his recovery and integration into Slot's defensive plans for the coming season.
