Liverpool completes £60million transfer for highly-rated defender as Arne Slot looks ahead to next season

Liverpool secured the signature of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a £60million transfer completed on deadline day, edging out Chelsea for the highly-rated young defender.

The 20-year-old France youth international underwent his medical with the Premier League champions on Monday evening before putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.

Jacquet has committed to a five-year agreement at Anfield, which includes an option to extend for an additional season.

The fee comprises £55million guaranteed, with a further £5million available through performance-related bonuses.

Manchester United also made a late approach for the centre-back, but he turned down their interest in favour of joining Arne Slot's squad.

The defender will remain with the Ligue 1 club for the remainder of the current campaign before officially joining Liverpool on July 1 ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Chelsea held discussions with Jacquet throughout January and matched Liverpool's financial offer, but the player ultimately set his sights on Anfield.

The Blues' pursuit reportedly cooled when it emerged that Mamadou Sarr would be returning to Stamford Bridge and Josh Acheampong was staying at the club.

Jacquet determined Liverpool presented a more attractive pathway for his career development, given Chelsea's abundance of young central defenders already on their books.

The acquisition bolsters Liverpool's options at centre-back during a period of uncertainty in that position.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are presently the only fit senior central defenders available to Slot.

Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are both sidelined through injury.

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Konate's contract expires this summer and negotiations over fresh terms remain ongoing, meaning Jacquet could find himself with significant playing opportunities upon his arrival.

Sporting director Richard Hughes oversaw the transfer discussions and concluded them successfully.

Jacquet has been tracked by numerous top European clubs since making his professional debut in early 2024, subsequently impressing during a loan spell at Clermont before establishing himself as Rennes' first-choice defender this season.

The 6ft 2 French youngster, known for his physical dominance and elite aerial ability, has won 75.5 per cent of his aerial duels in Ligue 1 this season.

The defender has made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 during the current 2025-26 campaign, accumulating 1,604 minutes on the pitch.

His defensive solidity has been evident throughout the season, with five clean sheets recorded across those outings in France's top flight.

Distribution from the back has proved a particular strength, with the player completing 92 per cent of attempted passes.

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