Liverpool Bolsters Defense with Jacquet Signing Amidst Van Dijk’s Future Uncertainties

Liverpool has made a strategic move late in the winter transfer window to acquire another center-back. Competing with clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United for the highly coveted signature of Rennes’ young star, Jacquet, the Reds have ultimately emerged victorious.

As the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool recognizes the need to rejuvenate their squad, particularly as Ibrahima Konate approaches free agency and club captain Virgil van Dijk continues to age.

Manager Slot remains optimistic about Van Dijk’s future, who has been a pivotal part of Liverpool since January 2018 and has a contract extending through the summer of 2027. When questioned about the recent signings potentially indicating a phase-out of Van Dijk, Slot responded, “Everything that is done here is never in panic; it’s always a long-term idea or something that has been considered for a long time.

“Of course, we recognize that Virgil will not be playing for this club for another decade, but he has a year and a half left on his contract. If he maintains his current fitness level, he may even be with us longer. It’s a testament to his fitness at his age that he can perform every three days for both his club and country.

“While we hope he can sustain this level of fitness for many years, we are realistic about the need for future planning. This club is not naive; we understand that there will come a time when we have to navigate life without Virgil. I assure you that all decisions we make are focused not only on the short term but also the mid to long-term future.”

Van Dijk is aware that he must elevate his performance to secure an extended tenure at Liverpool. Former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit expressed concerns regarding Van Dijk’s performance during the 2025-26 season, stating: “I have been critical of Virgil van Dijk several times because he’s the Liverpool captain. In an orchestra, if the violinist is underperforming, I won’t blame the violinist but rather the conductor. He is responsible for guiding his team and any lapses in performance.

“I hold Van Dijk in high regard, but he has made several uncharacteristic mistakes this season, such as the handball against PSV and the miskick against Bournemouth—errors I have never witnessed from him before. I truly hope that Van Dijk acknowledges these missteps and can quickly return to his best form.”

Liverpool is actively preparing for a future beyond Van Dijk, with Slot expressing enthusiasm about the impending arrival of Jacquet, who is set to finalize his significant transfer to Merseyside this summer.

Slot commented, “It’s obviously very encouraging. He is a tremendous talent, and while we refer to him as a talent due to his age, he brings much more to the table. The interest from other clubs signifies his quality, which is a great acknowledgment of our recruitment team’s diligence in securing promising players.

“This signing exemplifies our club’s strategy—focusing on young, highly skilled players who can enhance our team both now and in the future. We have recently signed many such players, positioning the club favorably for both the short and long term.”

As Liverpool aims for Champions League football next season, they remain hopeful that Jacquet will be part of their journey as they strive for another European title this year. However, they currently find themselves in sixth place in the Premier League, preparing for a critical match against Manchester City on Sunday.