The Rising Star: Jérémy Jacquet’s Journey from Ligue 1 to Premier League Prospects

Jérémy Jacquet was born on July 13, 2005, in Bondy, a suburb of Paris. At the tender age of less than a year, he witnessed Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt against Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final, where France faced Italy and ultimately lost on penalties. By the time the national team clinched the World Cup again, Jacquet had just turned 13 and was already making waves at his local club, RC Joinville.

In France, there has been significant discussion regarding Paris Saint-Germain’s notorious failure to scout and nurture local talent. Jacquet became another notable player who slipped through their fingers, as he initially signed amateur terms with Rennes, a club revered for its youth development, in 2019.

At just 18 years old, Jacquet made the leap from Rennes’ youth system to the first team, marking his Ligue 1 debut in January 2024 against Nice. Shortly after, he was loaned to Clermont, a team battling relegation, though he could not prevent their drop. However, following commendable performances with the France U19 team during the European Championship, where they reached the final, it was decided that Jacquet would continue his development at Clermont in Ligue 2.

It quickly became evident that Jacquet’s talent far surpassed the second division. Not only did he play a pivotal role in Clermont’s defense, but he also posed a significant threat in aerial duels and build-up play. Consequently, Rennes opted to recall him from his loan spell in January 2025, paying £780,000 ($1.05 million) to end the agreement midway through the season.

Upon his return, Jacquet started 11 of Rennes’ final 14 Ligue 1 matches, helping the team ascend from a relegation struggle to a comfortable mid-table finish, concluding the season in 11th place.

Despite his limited experience in a top-five league, Jacquet became the subject of intense speculation regarding a high-profile move in 2025. Arsenal expressed interest as they sought a replacement for Jakub Kiwior. Ultimately, Rennes rejected the offer, especially after Jacquet signed a new contract in May and seemed hesitant about the transfer.

Jacquet’s performance remained unaffected by the transfer rumors, as he started every league match for Rennes this season, missing only two due to suspension. He has earned five caps with France’s U21s, and there are increasing calls for national team coach Didier Deschamps to integrate him into the senior squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Given his impressive form, it is unlikely Jacquet will experience a quiet January. Chelsea is in dire need of a transformative center-back, and if they do not pursue him, other top teams likely will.

Jacquet, exhibiting a blend of confidence and controlled aggression, possesses the physical and mental attributes necessary to excel as a top-tier center-back. He has thrived in both back-three and back-four formations, demonstrating versatility by starting on either flank and occasionally functioning in a more traditional sweeper role.

Playing in a wider center-back position within a back-three system has showcased Jacquet’s ability to defend extensive spaces, aided by his recovery speed. He is equally adept in central roles, given his aerial strength, making him an asset for teams like Chelsea that emphasize set-piece tactics.

Jacquet’s ability to be in the right place at the right time is underscored by his ranking in the top 95th percentile for interceptions among center-backs in Europe, averaging 1.69 per 90 minutes. His success stems from both strategic positioning and a proactive approach in reclaiming possession from opponents.

However, there are two primary concerns surrounding Jacquet. The first is how he will adapt to a league with heightened scrutiny, particularly if he is heralded as Chelsea’s defensive savior in the long term. Success in Ligue 1 does not guarantee seamless performance in the Premier League, and increased attention will inevitably place a larger target on his back.

The second concern pertains to his aggressive playing style. While generally effective, Jacquet’s tendency to engage tightly can backfire, resulting in occasional costly fouls or being caught out of position. Earlier in the season, he received his first career red card during a 5-0 defeat against PSG, an incident attributed to concentration issues. In his subsequent match, he received another yellow card, prompting an automatic suspension.

Concerns about his discipline remain valid, particularly when considering Chelsea’s reputation for having a heated squad. Comparisons have been drawn between Jacquet and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, both known for their aggressive styles. While Romero was instrumental in his World Cup-winning team, he has struggled with defensive consistency this season.

Jacquet’s career, however, is still in its infancy, and he has ample time to refine his skills and address any weaknesses. Chelsea has reportedly agreed on personal terms with him, and he is eager to join the club before the transfer deadline.

Whether Rennes’ £60 million ($80.4 million) price tag will deter Chelsea remains uncertain, but the club believes Jacquet is worth the investment. Currently, Rennes is only two points shy of a Champions League qualifying spot in Ligue 1 and is aware that interest in Jacquet will intensify come summer if Chelsea does not meet their valuation.

Head coach Habib Beye has emphasized Jacquet’s importance to the team’s objectives, stating, “If he were to leave, we would need to revise our goals, as he is one of our essential players. We must withstand this kind of interest.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea is in urgent need of a reliable defender, and if they have faith in Jacquet’s abilities, they should seize the opportunity to secure him. The savvy traders at BlueCo understand that every player has their price.