Liverpool have secured one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents, agreeing a deal worth up to £60 million for Rennes center-back Jeremy Jacquet. While the 20-year-old won’t arrive at Anfield until the summer of 2026, his signing represents a significant investment in Liverpool’s defensive future. But who exactly is Jeremy Jacquet, and why have the Premier League champions committed such substantial resources to securing his services?
The timing of the announcement is particularly noteworthy. With Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez all sidelined through injury, Liverpool face an immediate defensive crisis. Yet rather than pursuing a short-term solution, the club has maintained its commitment to long-term planning, securing a player who won’t be available until the 2026-27 season begins.
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The Transfer Details and Competition
Jeremy Jacquet’s move to Liverpool wasn’t without competition. Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich reportedly showed strong interest in the French defender, highlighting the widespread recognition of his talent across European football. That Liverpool ultimately won the race speaks to both their persuasive power and the appeal of Arne Slot’s project at Anfield.
The deal structure sees Jacquet remain with Rennes for the remainder of the 2025-26 season before making the switch to Merseyside. This arrangement suits all parties: Rennes retain their defensive lynchpin during a crucial campaign, Jacquet continues his development in familiar surroundings, and Liverpool can carefully integrate their new signing into the squad during the summer rather than mid-season.
The £60 million valuation places Jacquet among the most expensive young defenders in football history. For context, that figure surpasses what Manchester United paid for Leny Yoro and approaches the fee Arsenal invested in William Saliba, two players to whom Jacquet has been favorably compared in French football circles.
From Ligue 2 to Premier League Champions
Jeremy Jacquet’s journey to Liverpool represents a meteoric rise through French football. He made his senior debut for Rennes against Nice in January 2024, coming on as a late substitute. Almost immediately, he was loaned to Clermont for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, where he made six appearances as the club suffered relegation to Ligue 2.
Rather than viewing this as a setback, Jacquet embraced the challenge, initially staying with Clermont for their 2024-25 campaign in the French second tier. Over 17 Ligue 2 appearances, he established himself as one of the division’s most effective defenders. Only nine defenders in the league won possession more frequently per 90 minutes among those with at least 15 appearances.
His impressive performances prompted Rennes to pay almost €1 million to terminate the loan early, bringing him back to the club in February 2025, almost exactly a year before his Liverpool move was announced. He made 11 appearances in the second half of last season for Rennes and has continued to develop rapidly throughout the current campaign.
This season, Jacquet has become an integral part of the Rennes team, leading to interest from Europe’s elite clubs. His total senior appearance count stands at just 31 matches, yet his impact has been profound enough to justify one of the most significant defensive investments in Liverpool’s history.
Aerial Dominance: The Numbers That Convinced Liverpool
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Jeremy Jacquet’s game is his aerial dominance. At just 20 years old, he has already developed into one of Europe’s most effective players in the air, a quality that aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s defensive philosophy.
The statistics are remarkable. Jacquet has won 75.5% of his aerial duels in Ligue 1 this season, the highest success rate of any player in the French top flight to contest at least 30 aerial battles. To put this in perspective, only four players across Europe’s top five leagues have bettered this percentage among those contesting at least 45 aerial duels.
Highest Aerial Duel Success Rates in Europe’s Big Five Leagues (2025-26)
| Player | Team | League | Success Rate | Duels Won/Contested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kike Salas | Sevilla | La Liga | 81.3% | 39/48 |
| Luka Vuskovic | Westerlo | Belgian Pro League | 80.0% | 92/115 |
| Lucas Torró | Osasuna | La Liga | 77.3% | 75/97 |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Premier League | 77.3% | 119/154 |
| Jeremy Jacquet | Rennes | Ligue 1 | 75.5% | 37/49 |
The significance of these numbers becomes even clearer when examining Liverpool’s current defensive setup. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté possess the best aerial duel success rates in the Premier League this season, at 77.3% and 73.3% respectively, among players with at least 30 contested duels. Jeremy Jacquet’s 75.5% success rate suggests he will fit seamlessly into this physically dominant defensive partnership.
His aerial ability extends beyond simple duel statistics. Jacquet’s positioning and timing allow him to neutralize aerial threats before they develop, while his composure under pressure enables him to direct headers purposefully rather than simply clearing danger.
Ground Duels and Defensive Fundamentals
While his aerial prowess captures headlines, Jeremy Jacquet’s all-around defensive ability deserves equal recognition. He possesses the best overall duel success rate in Ligue 1 this season at 67.2% among players who have contested at least 80 duels, demonstrating his effectiveness in one-on-one situations both in the air and on the ground.
Jacquet is a front-foot defender with impressive anticipation for someone his age. He excels at reading the game, stepping in to win possession before attackers can develop dangerous situations. His ball-winning ability manifests in his willingness to commit to challenges, though this represents both a strength and an area for development.
The young Frenchman does tend to go to ground frequently when challenging opponents, a habit that could prove costly in the Premier League where referees often penalize such tackles more readily than in Ligue 1. However, this is precisely the type of flaw that can be corrected through coaching and experience, particularly when training daily alongside a master of the standing challenge like Virgil van Dijk.
His defensive fundamentals are sound. Jacquet positions himself intelligently, rarely getting caught out of position despite his aggressive approach. His recovery pace is good, though not exceptional, allowing him to compensate for the occasional misjudgment that young defenders inevitably make.
Ball-Playing Ability: A Modern Defender
To succeed at Liverpool, defensive ability alone isn’t sufficient. Arne Slot’s team averages 61.5% possession in the Premier League this season, the highest in the division, meaning their defenders must be comfortable building from the back under pressure. Jeremy Jacquet’s technical quality suggests he’ll thrive in this environment.
The passing statistics are impressive. Only midfielder Valentin Rongier has attempted more passes than Jacquet for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, with the defender completing 1,043 passes at a 90.5% accuracy rate. This represents a higher volume than you’d typically expect from a center-back at a mid-table Ligue 1 club, where average possession sits at 51.9%.
More impressively, none of Jacquet’s teammates have completed as many long passes as his 52 this season. Long passes, defined as those traveling at least 32 meters, are a crucial weapon for defenders looking to initiate attacks quickly or relieve pressure with accurate distribution.
Jeremy Jacquet Passing Statistics vs Liverpool Center-Backs (2025-26)
| Player | Team | Total Passes | Pass Accuracy | Long Passes | Long Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Jacquet | Rennes | 1,043 | 90.5% | 96 | 54.2% |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | 1,876 | 91.8% | 198 | 50.5% |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | 1,234 | 89.2% | 134 | 46.7% |
His long pass success rate of 54.2% actually exceeds both Van Dijk (50.5%) and Konaté (46.7%) this season, though Van Dijk has attempted more than twice as many. This suggests Jacquet chooses his moments wisely, attempting ambitious passes when the situation warrants but not forcing them unnecessarily.
The long pass data reveals another dimension of Jacquet’s game. He doesn’t simply play it safe with short passes to nearby teammates. Among Ligue 1 defenders, only seven have made more than his 45 progressive passes this season, while only 11 have made more forward passes than his 362. These statistics indicate a player comfortable taking calculated risks to advance his team’s position.
Positional Versatility
One underappreciated aspect of Jeremy Jacquet’s profile is his positional versatility. While he has primarily operated in the middle of a back three this season for Rennes, his experience spans multiple defensive roles and formations.
During his time at Clermont, Jacquet predominantly played on the left side of a two-man center-back partnership. He has also featured on the right side of a back two for Rennes, demonstrating comfort operating in either central defensive position. This versatility provides Arne Slot with tactical flexibility, allowing him to deploy Jacquet wherever needed depending on the opposition and game situation.
Interestingly, Jacquet even accumulated some minutes as a right-back last season, accounting for 13% of his overall playing time for Rennes. While he’s unlikely to feature regularly in this position for Liverpool, this experience speaks to his adaptability and football intelligence.
The ability to play across multiple positions in a back three or back four will prove valuable as Liverpool navigate fixture congestion across four competitions. It also means Jacquet can seamlessly integrate into whatever defensive structure Slot prefers without requiring significant tactical adjustment.
Areas for Development
Despite his considerable talent, Jeremy Jacquet is still a developing player who will face challenges adapting to the Premier League. At 20 years old with only 31 senior appearances, he will need time to adjust to the physicality, pace, and tactical sophistication of English football’s top division.
One notable concern is his tendency to make errors. He ranks among the players who have made the most mistakes leading to shots in Ligue 1 this season, with three such errors. While this isn’t an alarming number given his limited experience, it does highlight the occasional lapses in concentration or judgment that young defenders often exhibit.
His red card in a 5-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in December, earned through two yellow cards, represents another example of the learning process he’s undergoing. Prior to that match, he had played every minute of every league game for Rennes, demonstrating the trust manager Habib Beye had placed in him. The sending off didn’t permanently damage that trust, but it illustrated the fine margins elite defenders must navigate.
The Premier League’s intensity will test Jacquet in ways Ligue 1 cannot fully prepare him for. The league’s relentless pace, with attackers of exceptional quality in every match, will expose any weaknesses in his game. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth, particularly when training alongside and learning from experienced professionals like Van Dijk.
The Liverpool Context: Why Now?
Liverpool’s decision to invest heavily in Jeremy Jacquet reflects both immediate needs and long-term planning. The club’s center-back situation faces significant uncertainty beyond the current season, with Ibrahima Konaté’s contract expiring in the summer and little indication that a renewal is imminent.
Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 before the start of next season, meaning Liverpool must plan for his eventual successor even as he continues to perform at an elite level. While Van Dijk shows no signs of imminent decline, prudent planning dictates preparing for a future without the Dutch captain.
The reliance on Van Dijk and Konaté has been extreme this season. The duo have started together 23 times in the Premier League, at least twice more than any other center-back partnership in England’s top flight. This dependence became problematic when Konaté recently took compassionate leave following his father’s passing, forcing Arne Slot to deploy midfielder Wataru Endo alongside Van Dijk in some matches.
Joe Gomez’s injury at Bournemouth further highlighted the shortage of reliable center-back options. When Gomez departed in the first half, Endo replaced him rather than another specialist defender. Another midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch, started alongside Van Dijk in the Champions League match against Qarabag, underscoring just how thin Liverpool’s defensive resources have become.
Liverpool Center-Back Partnerships 2025-26 (All Competitions)
| Partnership | Starts Together |
|---|---|
| Van Dijk – Konaté | 23 |
| Van Dijk – Gomez | 8 |
| Van Dijk – Gravenberch | 3 |
| Van Dijk – Endo | 2 |
| Konaté – Gomez | 1 |
The failed pursuit of Marc Guéhi in the summer represented Liverpool’s first attempt to address this issue. When the England international moved to Manchester City in January, Liverpool immediately pivoted to alternative targets, ultimately settling on Jacquet as the ideal long-term solution.
Player Comparisons and Style Similarities
Jeremy Jacquet has drawn comparisons to several prominent defenders, both from his time in France and through statistical analysis. French media have likened him to William Saliba and Leny Yoro, two defenders who made successful transitions from Ligue 1 to the Premier League with Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Perhaps most tellingly, Jacquet himself has identified his defensive role models. In a recent interview with L’Équipe, he said, “As a defender, I really like Van Dijk, and more recently Konaté.” The irony of this statement, made before his Liverpool move was confirmed, is striking. Within months, he could be playing alongside both of his idols.
Statistical comparison supports these stylistic connections. Opta’s player radar analysis reveals that among Premier League defenders, Jacquet’s profile most closely resembles Ibrahima Konaté, with a 73% similarity rating. Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi (68%), Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke (67%), and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo (67%) complete the top five most similar players.
This Konaté comparison is particularly relevant given the uncertainty surrounding the French defender’s future at Liverpool. If Konaté departs when his contract expires, Jacquet appears ideally positioned to fill the void, offering similar aerial dominance, physical presence, and ball-playing ability.
The French Connection
Liverpool’s pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet continues their tradition of successfully identifying and developing French talent. The club has historically found success with French players, from the earliest days of Gérard Houllier’s tenure through to the present.
Ibrahima Konaté represents the most recent example of this pipeline, arriving from RB Leipzig and establishing himself as a crucial member of Liverpool’s defense. The prospect of Jacquet learning from a compatriot who has successfully navigated the transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League will undoubtedly ease his adaptation.
France’s reputation for producing exceptional center-backs continues to grow. The current generation includes Saliba at Arsenal, Dayot Upamecano at Bayern Munich, Jules Koundé at Barcelona, and Wesley Fofana at Chelsea, among others. Jacquet has the potential to join this elite group, and Liverpool’s investment suggests they believe he will.
Ligue 1’s role as a development league for young defenders benefits from the league’s tactical sophistication and technical demands. French football emphasizes ball-playing ability from defenders while still requiring strong defensive fundamentals. This environment has proven ideal for producing modern defenders capable of succeeding in top European leagues.
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FAQs
When will Jeremy Jacquet join Liverpool?
Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool at the start of the 2026-27 season after spending the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign with Rennes.
How much did Liverpool pay for Jeremy Jacquet?
Liverpool agreed to a deal worth up to £60 million for Jeremy Jacquet, making him one of the most expensive young defenders in football history.
What are Jeremy Jacquet’s best qualities as a defender?
Jacquet excels in aerial duels with a 75.5% success rate in Ligue 1 this season, while also demonstrating strong ball-playing ability with over 1,000 passes completed at 90.5% accuracy.
How many appearances has Jeremy Jacquet made in his career?
Despite his young age and high transfer fee, Jacquet has made only 31 senior appearances across his time with Rennes and Clermont.
Which Premier League defender is Jeremy Jacquet most similar to?
Statistical analysis shows Jacquet’s playing style most closely resembles Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté with a 73% similarity rating, followed by Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
