In a significant move that has captured the attention of football fans, Liverpool Football Club has finalized the acquisition of Jeremy Jacquet, a promising defender from Rennes, for a total of £55 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons. The announcement confirmed that the 20-year-old will officially join the team on July 1 and has committed to a contract that extends until 2031, with an option for an extra year. This signing is part of Liverpool's ambitious strategy to overhaul their squad, a process that commenced last summer with the arrivals of talents such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool had previously been interested in center-back Marc Guehi, but he chose to move to Manchester City in January. The club sees Jacquet as a more valuable long-term investment compared to Guehi, which is why they were eager to secure his signature this month and integrate him into their plans.
Jacquet’s journey began in the youth system at Rennes, and he has already made a mark by representing France at various levels, up to under-21s.
'The raw ingredients to become an elite defender'
According to Liverpool correspondent Andy Jones, the first notable feature of Jeremy Jacquet is his impressive physical stature. At just 20 years old, he possesses the build that many believe makes him ready to compete in the English Premier League. His defensive style is characterized by a proactive and aggressive approach, which aligns perfectly with Liverpool's high-intensity playing philosophy.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, Jacquet combines his height with considerable speed to effectively cover space and defend against opposing players. His physical attributes also enhance his ability to protect the penalty area, allowing him to recover quickly and display strong situational awareness. When it comes to ball possession, Jacquet shows a great deal of comfort and confidence. He has the ability to execute incisive passes that break through opposing defenses and can seamlessly switch play from one side to the other, even carrying the ball forward when necessary.
However, moving to the Premier League will require some adaptation. While he has excelled in aerial battles during his time in Ligue 1, the higher level of physicality in England presents a new challenge. Like many young defenders, Jacquet may face a learning curve and some setbacks as he works to replicate his previous success in the air. Although he is still developing, he possesses a wealth of talent and foundational skills that, if nurtured properly, could see him evolve into an elite defender in the future.
How can Liverpool handle another major transfer?
For those wondering how Liverpool can manage yet another substantial investment in the transfer market, senior writer Chris Weatherspoon sheds light on the financial side of things. Jacquet's transfer fee of £55 million adds to the hefty spending spree from the previous summer, where Liverpool invested over £400 million in new players.
So, how does Liverpool sustain this level of expenditure? The answer lies in their record-breaking financial performance last season, which saw them generate revenues of £702 million—marking them as the highest-earning English club for the first time in recent history. This upward trend is expected to continue as they have secured new commercial deals, including a lucrative kit manufacturing partnership with Adidas.
While their wage expenses exceeded £400 million for the first time in the 2024-25 season, the proportion of wages relative to revenue actually decreased due to the overall growth in income. Last season, this ratio hit a six-year low at 60%. Furthermore, Liverpool has become adept at player sales, offloading assets like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Jarell Quansah for nearly £200 million last summer.
These strategic moves have helped reduce their wage burden significantly. Therefore, committing an additional £55 million for Jacquet falls well within the realm of financial viability for Liverpool, demonstrating their continued ambition in the competitive landscape of football.
