Jeremy Jacquet has completed a £60million move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, choosing the Merseyside club over Chelsea. The French defender, who will remain at Rennes on loan for the rest of the season, described Liverpool as “one of the greatest football institutions in the world”.
Jacquet’s decision to pick Liverpool was influenced by concerns over game time at Chelsea, who boast a wealth of defensive options including Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill. The 20-year-old felt he would get more opportunities at Anfield, where Arne Slot’s side have doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation.
Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, Jacquet said: “I’ll tackle this second part of the season with the will to experience beautiful moments with my team-mates and the fans.” Rennes boss Habib Beye acknowledged the financial reality of the deal, stating: “It’s the best deal we could hope for. We simply don’t have the means to fight.”
The deal sees Liverpool pay £55million upfront, with a further £5million in add-ons. Jacquet’s loan back to Rennes allows him to continue contributing to their Champions League push, while Slot’s defence receives a long-term boost.
