Liverpool have agreed a £55 million deal with Rennes to sign young defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the centre-back set to join the club in the summer transfer window, sources have told ESPN.
The agreement covers a £55m fixed fee, with an additional £5m in performance-related add-ons. The move is subject to a medical, but personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Jacquet, 20, has been targeted as Liverpool plan changes to their defence ahead of next season. Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson are both nearing the end of their contracts, increasing the club’s need to strengthen at the back.
Chelsea also showed strong interest and held talks with Rennes. However, Jacquet is reported to favour a switch to Anfield.
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Liverpool’s decision to move early has also been influenced by injuries. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are out for the season, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Konaté as the only fit senior centre-backs.
A product of Rennes’ academy, Jacquet has made 18 appearances this season and has drawn attention with a run of solid performances in Ligue 1.
French football expert Julien Laurens believes Liverpool are signing a special talent.
“He’s the real deal,” Laurens told ESPN. “He still has a lot to learn, but the potential is huge.”
Jacquet’s arrival is expected to be one of Rennes’ biggest sales and a key step in Liverpool’s defensive rebuild ahead of the new season.