Liverpool outmaneuver Chelsea to land defender Jeremy Jacquet

Liverpool have out‑spent Chelsea to complete the signing of 21‑year‑old Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, a move praised as a strategic coup by head coach Andoni Iraola. The club’s decisive action reflects a willingness to invest significant resources in a player they view as having long‑term upside.

The Reds have been lauded for beating Chelsea in the race, with many observers calling the acquisition a "real coup" for Andoni Iraola. Liverpool have committed serious money to Jeremy Jacquet, and the immediate reaction from parts of the game is that this is a signing with substance.

Tthe Reds moved decisively to win the race for the 21‑year‑old Rennes defender, agreeing a £60m deal at the end of the winter window before completing the move at the start of July. The timing underscores Liverpool’s intent to secure the player before other suitors could intervene.

That is a hefty outlay for a player with only 57 senior appearances behind him. The fee highlights the premium placed on young elite centre‑backs, especially those with limited top‑level experience.

Young elite centre‑backs cost a fortune, particularly when they are French, highly rated and already on the radar of other Premier League clubs. If Liverpool had waited another year, the number likely rises, and the queue gets longer.

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Liverpool needed to refresh their central defensive line, and under new head coach Andoni Iraola they have chosen a profile with upside rather than a safe, older stop‑gap. Jacquet arrives to replace Ibrahima Konate, and the club retain four senior centre‑backs, which keeps the structure sensible.

Kevin Hatchard, speaking via Empire of the Kop, said: "I think this is a real coup because he’s been seen as the next big thing in terms of French centre‑backs for quite a while. He was linked with Arsenal, and Chelsea were very keen to sign him as well. Liverpool have managed to elbow their way to the front of the queue and bring him in."

Hatchard added: "There’s going to have to be an element of patience because he’s still very young, he’s still very raw, but all of the raw material is there. He’s good in the air, he’s really confident in possession, he’s a good tackler. I think with more games, Andoni Iraola will work very closely with him as well."

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He continued: "I think in the long‑term, he and Giovanni Leoni are probably going to be the centre‑back pairing for Liverpool after Van Dijk has gone, obviously. That’s for the future, but I think he’ll learn so much from working with Van Dijk. I think this is a really positive signing."

Jacquet’s appeal is obvious: he has physical presence, comfort on the ball and the defensive confidence top clubs now demand. Liverpool are not buying a finished article, but a player they believe can become one of the best in the league. The £60m fee reflects the market for premium potential, and scouts have praised his composure and leadership, traits that usually take time to develop in defenders.