Jacquet deal puts Liverpool ahead of Chelsea in summer transfer race
Liverpool have taken a major step forward in the race for Rennes defender Jacquet, agreeing a verbal agreement that puts them ahead of Chelsea in the pursuit of one of France’s most highly-rated young centre-backs.
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As first reported by talkSPORT, the Merseyside club have agreed a deal worth £55 million for the France Under-21 international, plus a further £5 million in add-ons. Under the agreement, Jacquet will stay at Rennes until the end of the season before completing a move to Anfield in the summer.
The development represents a major shift in the transfer landscape, with Liverpool moving decisively to secure a player who has been a long-term target for Chelsea.
Liverpool and Rennes reach verbal agreement
Sources close to the negotiations suggest Liverpool have been in discussions with Rennes for weeks and intensified talks in January to secure a pre-arranged deal with Jacques.
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Rennes have made it clear throughout the process that they will not sanction a mid-season departure. Instead, they are demanding a deal that would see their defender finish the season in Ligue 1 before moving to the Premier League.
This stance enables Liverpool to strike a deal that suits all parties. The French club will receive a record transfer fee, eclipsing the £52m Jeremy Docu received when he moved to Manchester City in 2023, while Liverpool receive long-term defensive reinforcements.
talkSPORT reports that Rennes are insisting on selling for a club-record price, prompting Liverpool to meet their valuation to fend off competition. The Reds’ willingness to commit early and meet financial terms proved decisive in advancing negotiations.
Jacquet is now scheduled to undergo a medical ahead of the summer transfer window and personal terms are believed to have been agreed in principle.
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Chelsea exit after reassessing defensive plan
Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Jacquet’s situation and were initially in a position to complete a deal during the winter window. However, their position shifted in the final stages of the negotiations.
Club sources said that while Chelsea were aware of Rennes’ valuation, they ultimately decided not to proceed, although they believed personal terms would not be an obstacle.
Several internal factors influenced this decision. Mamadou Sarr’s expected return from his loan spell at Strasbourg and the desire to protect Josh Acheampong’s development path have played a key role in Chelsea’s reassessment.
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In addition, Chelsea’s recruitment team was unwilling to block opportunities for emerging defenders already in the squad, leading to a strategic withdrawal from the competition.
The opportunity allows Liverpool to speed up negotiations and get ahead of their Premier League rivals.
Jacquet profile and long-term potential
At the age of 20, Jacquet has become one of the most promising defensive talents in French football. His performances at Rennes generated widespread interest, with scouts highlighting his composure, physicality and ability to attack from the back.
Jacquet excels in high defensive lines and excels in aerial duels and is considered well-suited to the tactical demands of the Premier League. His experience with the Under-21s is further evidence that he is ready for the promotion.
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Liverpool’s recruiters view him as a long-term investment with the ability to develop into a first-choice centre-back over the coming seasons. The club’s focus has always been on ensuring players can grow within the system rather than relying solely on established stars.
By finalizing the deal months in advance, Liverpool have ensured continuity in their defensive plan while giving Jacquet time to complete his development in Ligue 1.
Impact of transfers on Liverpool and Chelsea teams
For Liverpool, the agreement represents a positive response to ongoing defensive challenges. The club had previously missed out on Marc Gueye and had been keen to strengthen their backline by signing a young, high-potential player.
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Jacquet’s arrival in the summer is expected to provide depth and quality, while also fitting into Liverpool’s wider strategy of combining youth with experience.
From Chelsea’s perspective, abandoning the deal reflects a shift in focus towards in-house solutions and alternative targets. The club continues to reshape its squad in line with its long-term development model, prioritizing academy players and returning loan players.
While missing out on Jacquet may disappoint some supporters, Chelsea’s leadership remain confident in their defensive options moving forward.
The incident highlights Liverpool’s increasing efficiency in the transfer market, particularly when targeting emerging talent ahead of rivals. Securing Jacquet at this stage gives them a clear advantage heading into the summer transfer window.
As it stands, the Reds appear to be well-positioned to make one of the most important defensive signings of the upcoming transfer window.
