Liverpool splash £70m on Jacquet as potential Konaté replacement
Reds break the bank again for Rennes' 19-year-old French defensive prospect Jérémy Jacquet, who will arrive at Anfield this summer on a five-year deal.
Liverpool continue their big-spending ways under FSG with another eye-watering transfer, this time splashing £70 million on teenage French defender Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes.
Another massive investment
After dropping a whopping £482.9 million last summer on six players including Isak (£145m), Wirtz (£125m), and Ekitike (£95m), you’d think the Reds might give the old wallet a rest. Not a chance! The Anfield brass have gone and broken the bank again for 19-year-old centre-back Jacquet.
The France U21 international has agreed to a five-year contract but won’t be heading to Merseyside until the summer, giving Rennes a few more months to benefit from his services.
Who is Jacquet?
Born in Bondy (the same Paris suburb that produced Mbappé) on July 13, 2005, Jacquet has already accumulated impressive experience for his age:
- Made his Ligue 1 debut at just 18 years and 6 months
- Spent time on loan at Clermont for development
- Has 31 first-team appearances for Rennes
- Right-footed centre-back with significant potential
Konaté replacement?
The timing of this move is particularly interesting given Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. The French defender’s current deal expires at the end of this season, and there’s been no announcement of an extension. Liverpool may be preparing for life after Konaté by bringing in his younger compatriot.
Rennes manager Habib Beye acknowledged the reality of the situation, telling L’Équipe: “I don’t control the transfer market. There’s an economic reality.”
Chelsea and Arsenal were also reportedly keen on Jacquet, but Liverpool have won the race for one of France’s most promising defensive talents. Bit of a result for the Reds there, even if it did cost them a King’s ransom.