Liverpool Football Club finalized a major transfer deal this week, securing French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes. The 20-year-old won’t join manager Arne Slot’s squad until July 2026, though. That’s a long wait for fans. He’s staying on loan at Rennes for another season and a half, until the summer of 2026. This move was confirmed on transfer deadline day, as Fabrizio Romano reported.
The Reds forked out big money for the young defender. Sources like Romano cite a base fee of €60 million, plus €12 million in add-ons. Other reports had it around £55 million, or €70 million. The contract is long, too: until June 2031, with an option for an extra year. Liverpool is investing in the future, that’s clear.
Arne Slot on the “Big Talent” and Club Strategy
Arne Slot spoke highly of Jacquet. He called him a “very big talent.” Slot told reporters Liverpool faced stiff competition for the Frenchman. Chelsea was sniffing around, and other European clubs wanted him too. Getting him was a “big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players,” Slot noted, according to ESPN.
“He’s a very big talent and maybe even more than talent but we speak about talent because of his age. Second, because we weren’t the only one interested in him so it’s a big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players.”
This signing fits Liverpool’s strategy. Slot mentioned it. The club wants young, talented players. Players who can improve the team in the short term and long-term. Jacquet, at 20, fits that mold. They’ve signed many like him recently. The club’s future looks solid, Slot believes. It shows their commitment to building something lasting.
The Long Game: Jacquet’s Loan and Anfield Arrival
Jacquet will spend the rest of this season and next at Rennes. He underwent his medical before the formal transfer. Then he went straight back to France. He arrives at Anfield in July 2026. That’s a long time to wait for a player you’ve spent so much on. But it means more game time for him. That’s what Liverpool offered, apparently, hijacking Chelsea’s move. It’s a calculated move for playing time opportunities.
When Jacquet finally joins, he’s expected to strengthen Liverpool’s defense. The team is currently sixth in the Premier League. Defensive depth is sometimes an issue.
Like now, with Jeremie Frimpong out this week. Joe Gomez might be on the bench as a possible substitute. So, more defenders are always welcome. Even if it’s not for a while. OneFootball reported that some pundits questioned the fee for a player arriving so late.
Looking Ahead: Defensive Boost and City Challenge
The immediate focus for Liverpool is the upcoming fixture. They play Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Slot remembers their last game. A tough 3-0 defeat. This one is important. Jacquet’s arrival is far off, but it still signals intent. Liverpool wants to compete at the top for years. Signing players like Jacquet is how they plan to do it.
It’s an investment in potential. The club sees Jacquet developing into a top-tier centre-back. He’s got that high potential. The long loan back allows him to keep playing regularly. That’s better for his growth. And Liverpool gets a more experienced player when he finally steps onto the Anfield pitch. It’s a patient approach. And an expensive one, too.
Ishaan Singh 
Baishali Karmakar 
Govind Singh