Liverpool Secures Jacquet: A Strategic Signing for the Future

Liverpool Football Club has officially confirmed the signing of talented defender Jacquet on a long-term contract, following a fierce transfer battle on the final day of the winter transfer window. The Reds have committed to an initial fee of £55 million, which could rise to £60 million with performance-related add-ons, making Jacquet the most expensive sale in the history of Rennes. This acquisition represents a significant victory for Liverpool’s recruitment team, who successfully disrupted ongoing negotiations between Rennes and Chelsea, with the London club reportedly unwilling to match the lucrative package offered by Liverpool.

A crucial aspect of the agreement allows the 20-year-old Jacquet to remain in Ligue 1 for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This arrangement was a key requirement for Rennes, who are currently positioned sixth in the French league and striving for European qualification. For Liverpool, this deal secures one of Europe’s most sought-after defensive talents, who is scheduled to officially join the squad on July 1, 2026. Jacquet has already made 18 league appearances this season, having missed two matches due to suspension.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester City, head coach Slot shared his insights on this major signing for the upcoming season. He expressed gratitude towards the club’s board and sporting director, Richard Hughes, for successfully navigating a competitive market to secure the young Frenchman.

“I am very pleased, of course, because first and foremost, he is a remarkable talent—indeed, more than just a talent, given his age,” Slot stated to reporters. “Secondly, we were not the only club interested in him, so I extend my compliments to everyone who works tirelessly every day to bring in such players. This signing exemplifies our strategy of acquiring young, exceptionally talented players, some at the start of their careers and others with a few years of experience, all of whom can improve our squad and contribute to both our short- and long-term goals. We have recently signed many such players, and I have reiterated that the future—both mid- to long-term and even short-term—of this club is in excellent shape.”

The signing of Jacquet is viewed as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s strategic succession planning as the club prepares for future changes in its defensive hierarchy. Club captain Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 this summer, remains in world-class form; however, Slot acknowledged the necessity of planning for eventual transitions.

“Everything we do is grounded in long-term planning, never out of panic,” Slot commented. “It is a collaborative effort involving multiple people. We recognize that Virgil will not play for this club for another ten years. He has one and a half years left on his contract, and while we hope he will remain fit and with us longer, we also understand that there will come a time when this club must continue without him.”

Jacquet’s arrival adds to a growing list of promising signings aimed at keeping Liverpool at the pinnacle of global football. He joins a youthful defensive core that includes 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who was signed last summer and is expected to recover from a serious ACL injury by the time Jacquet arrives for pre-season.

Additionally, Jacquet’s presence will provide essential depth amid uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire in June 2027 and has yet to be extended. By securing Jacquet now, Liverpool ensures that their squad depth remains of the highest quality, regardless of individual contract situations. With recent additions like Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz also proving beneficial, Slot’s forward-looking project appears increasingly well-prepared to compete for major titles in the coming years.