Liverpool Secures Jacquet from Rennes for £60 Million

On the final day of the January transfer window, Liverpool announced that they have reached an agreement with Ligue 1 side Rennes for the transfer of young defender Jacquet, with reports indicating a fee of £60 million.

Upon the confirmation of his transfer, the 20-year-old expressed, “I am honoured to sign for Liverpool, one of the greatest football institutions in the world. It was also very important for me to finish my adventure in red and black on a high note, at the club I grew up with, the club that is so close to my heart. I am approaching this second half of the season with the desire to experience some wonderful emotions with my teammates and the fans.”

There was speculation that Chelsea would be the Premier League club to acquire Jacquet, but Liverpool acted swiftly to secure his services. For the remainder of the season, Jacquet will return to Rennes to continue his development.

English clubs have faced criticism in recent years regarding their spending in the transfer market, with many analysts claiming that their financial resources create an uneven playing field for other clubs across Europe. French World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry remarked that Liverpool’s signing of Jacquet exemplifies an irrational approach in the market. He stated on RMC Sport, “This isn’t meant to offend the player; honestly, he’s not to blame at all, and we wish him all the best because he’s a good player. When you have suckers like that, well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool for €72 million.”

When confronted with the fact that Manchester United had paid a similar amount for Leny Yoro the previous year, Dugarry responded, “Very well, but look at the result. Let them continue, all these English clubs, sending tens of millions of euros. This isn’t just a two-tiered football situation anymore; it’s football that’s lost its mind. Let’s stop trying to pretend there’s a justification for it. There’s no justification whatsoever.”

Dugarry further expressed concern for Jacquet, stating that the hefty price tag would impose undue pressure on him. “Even for poor little Jacquet, this transfer is going to put a lot of pressure on him. His performances will be viewed differently, even though he doesn’t deserve it. Those of us who know football shouldn’t attempt to justify this amount by claiming it’s due to Liverpool’s financial power. It’s meaningless. It’s ridiculous.”

Although the investment is significant for a relatively untested young player, Liverpool has adhered to market demands and secured a promising defensive talent for the future. The club previously acquired Giovanni Leoni in the summer, although he suffered a severe knee injury shortly after joining. Manager Arne Slot now has two centre-backs in Jacquet and Leoni who could potentially develop into elite players in their positions.

For the immediate future, captain Virgil van Dijk will continue to lead Liverpool’s defense, while Ibrahima Konate, who recently returned to the starting lineup and scored during the 4-1 victory over Newcastle United, is expected to feature again during the upcoming match against Manchester City at Anfield.