--- title: "Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool in £60m Rennes deal" description: "Liverpool land 20-year-old French centre-back in five-year deal after 33 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/french-defender-j-r-my-jacquet-officially-joins-liverpool-fr-54361693 published: 2026-07-02T12:58:45.236+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T12:58:45.236+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool in £60m Rennes deal > Liverpool land 20-year-old French centre-back in five-year deal after 33 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes. Liverpool have signed French defender Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth up to £60 million. The 20-year-old centre-back has agreed to a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, pending international clearance. Jacquet made 33 senior appearances for Ligue 1 side Rennes, featuring in 28 league matches during the 2023-24 campaign. His defensive metrics paint a picture of a modern centre-back: 68% aerial duel success, 74% defensive duels won, and 89% pass completion in league play. These numbers suggest a player comfortable in both structured build-up and high-pressing systems—a profile Liverpool’s tactical setup under Arne Slot demands. The transfer fee structure includes add-ons that could push the total to £60 million, reflecting Liverpool’s willingness to invest in defensive depth. The base fee is undisclosed, but Rennes’ valuation reflects Jacquet’s role in their European campaigns, where he started 12 of 14 matches in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League. His ability to step into high-pressure environments aligns with Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations, where defensive solidity is non-negotiable. Rennes confirmed the departure in a statement, praising Jacquet’s development and contribution to the club’s recent European campaigns. The defender has been a target for multiple Premier League clubs, but Liverpool secured his signature after a competitive bidding process that reportedly involved five other bidders. The club’s hierarchy, including the sporting director, prioritized Jacquet’s long-term potential over immediate first-team impact, a strategy consistent with their recent recruitment approach. "Jérémy is a highly promising talent with the technical and physical profile we need," said a Liverpool spokesperson. "His composure under pressure and ability to progress the ball from deep positions fit our system perfectly. We’re excited to support his development and integrate him into the squad." What's next: Jacquet will undergo final medicals and complete administrative formalities before joining Liverpool’s pre-season training in July. His first competitive action could come in the Premier League opener if fully fit. The club’s medical team will monitor his shoulder recovery closely, with a target return date set for late July to avoid disrupting pre-season preparations. The signing also raises questions about Liverpool’s defensive depth chart. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joel Matip remain first-choice options, but the addition of Jacquet provides competition and future-proofing. His development timeline suggests he could challenge for minutes within 12-18 months, particularly if injuries disrupt the senior centre-backs. Jacquet's arrival is expected to have a positive impact on the team's defensive dynamics, allowing for more flexibility in formations and tactics. With his ability to play in a high-pressing system, Liverpool may explore a more aggressive approach, which could lead to increased possession and scoring opportunities. Additionally, Jacquet's presence could lead to a reduction in the workload of the senior centre-backs, allowing them to maintain their fitness levels throughout the season. The transfer market is expected to continue evolving, with Liverpool's move for Jacquet potentially influencing the decisions of other Premier League clubs. As the summer transfer window progresses, it will be interesting to see how Liverpool's rivals respond to the signing, and whether they will look to strengthen their own defensive options. The Reds' willingness to invest in young talent may also lead to a shift in the market, with more clubs prioritizing long-term potential over short-term gains. ## Why this matters Liverpool’s £60m investment in Jérémy Jacquet underscores their long-term vision for the squad. The 20-year-old adds defensive depth and aligns with the club’s strategy of blending youth with elite experience. His arrival signals Liverpool’s intent to challenge for major trophies while developing homegrown and high-potential talent. The deal also reflects a broader trend in the Premier League, where clubs are increasingly willing to pay premium fees for young defenders with high ceilings, betting on their growth under elite coaching. For Jacquet, the move represents a career-defining step, offering Champions League football and the chance to learn from some of the game’s best defenders. ## Frequently asked ### How much did Liverpool pay for Jérémy Jacquet? The transfer fee is worth up to £60 million, including add-ons. The base fee is undisclosed, but Rennes confirmed the deal’s structure in their statement. ### How long is Jacquet’s contract with Liverpool? Jacquet has signed a five-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, subject to international clearance. ### When will Jacquet be available for Liverpool? He is expected to join Liverpool’s pre-season training in July after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in April. The club’s medical team targets a late July return to avoid pre-season disruption. ### How many appearances did Jacquet make for Rennes? Jacquet made 33 senior appearances for Rennes, including 28 Ligue 1 matches in the 2023-24 season. He also started 12 of 14 Europa League matches that campaign. ### Which position does Jacquet play? Jacquet is a centre-back, a position Liverpool have prioritized in their defensive recruitment. ### What are Jacquet’s key defensive metrics? Jacquet’s 2023-24 Ligue 1 stats include 68% aerial duel success, 74% defensive duels won, and 89% pass completion. These numbers reflect a modern centre-back comfortable in build-up play and high-pressing systems. ## Sources & Citations - [French defender Jérémy Jacquet officially joins Liverpool from Rennes](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49234752/jeremy-jacquet-liverpool-rennes) — ESPN (2026-07-01) - [Liverpool complete signing of defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes](https://www.the42.ie/jeremy-jacquet-7087154-Jul2026/) — The 42 (Ireland) (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Jérémy Jacquet joins Liverpool in £60m Rennes deal. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/french-defender-j-r-my-jacquet-officially-joins-liverpool-fr-54361693