Jacquet’s Injury and Future at Liverpool: A Strategic Acquisition

Jeremy Jacquet suffered an injury to his left shoulder during Rennes’ 3-1 loss to Lens, leaving the field in considerable pain. Concerns have arisen regarding the timeline for his return.

According to L’Equipe, Jacquet may require surgery to regain full fitness, potentially ending his season prematurely. Rennes manager Habib Beye expressed concerns about the fitness of both Jacquet and fellow defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, stating, “For Jeremy, it’s his shoulder, and for Abdelhamid it’s muscular. We’ll have time to see, but it’s definitely quite serious for both of them.”

Regardless of whether surgery is necessary, Jacquet is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, followed by an extensive rehabilitation period that may extend into pre-season training with his new club, Liverpool.

The French youth international is enthusiastic about embarking on a new chapter with the reigning Premier League champions. Despite hoping for a more celebratory farewell from Rennes, he is eager for the opportunities ahead. Jacquet remarked upon finalizing his transfer to Anfield during the winter transfer window of 2026: “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 time in red and black on a high, at my boyhood club, the club of my heart. I’m looking forward to experiencing great moments with my teammates and the fans in this second half of the season.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed satisfaction at securing Jacquet’s signature, particularly in light of competition from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. He stated, “He’s a very big talent, and it’s a big compliment to the people working hard to sign players. We aim to acquire young, talented players who can contribute both in the short and long term.”

Jacquet’s signing coincides with Liverpool’s transitional phase, as they prepare to lose defender Ibrahima Konate as a free agent and see captain Virgil van Dijk approaching 35. Slot clarified that while Jacquet is a strategic addition, he is not an immediate replacement for Van Dijk. “Nothing we do here is out of panic. We are aware that Virgil won’t be here forever, but he currently has a year-and-a-half contract left and will be with us for that time, possibly longer if he remains fit.”

Slot continued, noting the club’s foresight in player acquisitions to ensure continuity. “This club is not only thinking about the short-term future but also the mid-to-long-term future in the decisions we make.”

Liverpool aspires to provide Jacquet with Champions League football upon his arrival. The team is still in contention for European success this season, having secured automatic qualification to the last 16, though they currently stand sixth in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.