Premier League champions Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60 million.
The transfer package includes an initial £55 million fee, with a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons for the 20-year-old centre-back. Despite strong interest from Chelsea, who were widely regarded as favourites, Liverpool have beaten the competition to secure the France Under-21 international’s signature.
Jacquet is expected to join Liverpool in the summer but will remain on loan at Rennes for the rest of the current season to continue his development.
The move follows Liverpool’s unsuccessful attempt to sign former Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi last summer, with the England international completing a move to Manchester City earlier this month. The club also explored the possibility of a loan deal for Lutsharel Geertruida but eventually pulled out after determining the deal was too complex.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Jacquet is scheduled to fly to the North West on Monday to complete his medical and sign a contract running until 2030, with the option of a further one-year extension. Personal terms have already been agreed.
Jacquet has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season and is viewed as a long-term addition to Liverpool’s squad, joining fellow summer recruits Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez as part of the club’s future-focused rebuilding plans.
