Liverpool complete £60m Jacquet deal as Chelsea tie up £47m Palestra move
Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool for £60m; Atalanta’s Marco Palestra lands at Chelsea for £47m—both Premier League clubs lock in defensive upgrades.
Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool for £60m; Atalanta’s Marco Palestra lands at Chelsea for £47m—both Premier League clubs lock in defensive upgrades.
Liverpool have splashed £60m on Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet, with the 20-year-old France U21 international joining for an initial £55m that rises to £60m with add-ons. The deal is subject to international clearance, but the Reds have already secured a defensive talent with Champions League pedigree. Chelsea, meanwhile, have tied up a £47m move for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, adding another young defensive option to their squad.
The Italian international’s arrival reinforces Graham Potter’s reshaping of the Blues’ backline, with the deal also pending clearance. Both transfers underscore the Premier League’s willingness to pay premium fees for emerging defensive talent. Liverpool’s pursuit of Jacquet reflects their need for long-term stability at center-back, while Chelsea’s Palestra capture highlights their focus on bolstering depth and competition in the full-back department.
The Blues, in particular, have struggled with defensive consistency this season, and Palestra’s arrival is seen as a direct response to that vulnerability. Reactions from both camps remain muted pending international clearance, but the clubs are expected to finalize the deals within the coming weeks. The transfers also signal a broader trend of Premier League clubs targeting young, high-potential defenders to future-proof their squads.
This strategy is not isolated to Liverpool and Chelsea; Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all pursued similar profiles in recent transfer windows, often paying over £50m for defenders under 23. The defensive spending spree extends beyond individual club needs. It reflects a league-wide calculation: young defenders represent a rare market inefficiency.
Unlike established stars, their price tags are still tied to potential rather than proven output, allowing clubs to hedge against inflation while securing assets with upside. This approach also aligns with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, which cap spending relative to revenue, making high-value young players a more sustainable investment than marquee signings. Jacquet’s profile fits Liverpool’s long-term vision.
At 20, he’s eligible for multiple European competitions and brings Champions League experience from his time at Rennes. 5/10 in aerial duels per 90 in Ligue 1—suggests a player built for the physical demands of the Premier League. For Chelsea, Palestra’s arrival addresses a positional weakness.
The Blues have conceded 28 goals in the Premier League this season, with right-back Ben Chilwell often isolated in transition. 8 interceptions per 90 in Serie A provide a tangible upgrade in defensive output. What's next: Both players must clear international clearance before they can officially join their new clubs.
Liverpool and Chelsea will then integrate them into their respective squads, with Jacquet and Palestra likely to feature in domestic and European competitions pending fitness and tactical fit. Jacquet is expected to compete with established center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, while Palestra will push for minutes at right-back against Ben Chilwell and Reece James. The Premier League’s defensive spending spree reflects a league-wide shift toward prioritizing young, high-potential defenders who can grow with the club.
This approach reduces the risk of overpaying for established players and aligns with the financial constraints imposed by UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. Clubs are increasingly betting on upside rather than proven track records, a gamble that could pay off if these players develop as expected. Read at Guardian Football
Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Chelsea have reinforced their defensive ranks with high-value young talent, signaling a strategic shift toward securing long-term solutions in defense. Jacquet’s arrival at Liverpool addresses a long-term need at center-back, while Palestra’s move to Chelsea adds competition and depth at right-back. Both deals reflect the league’s growing reliance on young, high-potential defenders to balance immediate performance with future-proofing. The trend extends beyond these two clubs, with multiple Premier League sides now prioritizing defensive recruitment under 23, a shift driven by financial prudence and the need for squad sustainability in an increasingly competitive league. The defensive spending spree also highlights a market inefficiency: young defenders offer clubs a rare opportunity to acquire high-potential assets at a fraction of the cost of established stars, all while aligning with financial regulations that cap spending relative to revenue.
Guardian Footballtheguardian.comBy Andy Hunter and agencies1 Jul, 15:56en-gb
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