Liverpool’s summer capture of 20‑year‑old Jérémy Jacquet adds pace, aerial power and ball-playing ability to their backline — punters might back Liverpool for more clean sheets next season once he settles. Short-term wagers are riskier due to adaptation; look to longer-term markets (clean sheets, goals conceded) for better value.
Liverpool agree £55m deal for Jérémy Jacquet
Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign 20-year-old centre-back Jérémy Jacquet for £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, with the transfer set to take effect in the summer. A product of Rennes, Jacquet has emerged this season as one of Ligue 1’s most promising defenders, blending pace, aerial authority and progressive passing.
Player profile: elite athleticism and on-ball quality
Jacquet stands out physically and technically. He clocked a top speed of 34.5 km/h in a league fixture and posts an exceptional aerial win rate, making him a strong presence in both recovery sprints and set-piece situations. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Jacquet regularly executes line-breaking long passes and incisive switches that can unbalance opponents.
Strengths
His main attributes include:
- Explosive acceleration and sustained pace that suit both recovery runs and high defensive lines.
- Excellent aerial ability and command of the box.
- Calmness under pressure, a secure first touch and the confidence to progress play from the back.
- Accurate long-range distribution capable of breaking opposition structure in a single action.
Areas for improvement
Jacquet’s occasional positional lapses have been exposed at times. Recent defensive lapses included stepping out of line and getting pulled wide, which created channels opponents exploited. He must sharpen spatial awareness, decision timing when stepping forward, and consistency in duel timing against elite opposition.
Transfer background and market interest
Jacquet attracted interest from multiple top clubs before Liverpool won the race. Competition existed from major European teams, but Liverpool’s relative shortage of centre-back depth and a clearer pathway to first-team minutes made Anfield an attractive destination. With Ibrahima Konaté’s future uncertain, Jacquet offers both immediate quality and longer-term succession planning.
How Jacquet fits into Liverpool’s defence
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season, and Jacquet’s arrival is viewed as a priority summer reinforcement.
His ball-playing profile suits possession-oriented systems and Arne Slot’s emphasis on building from the back.
Training alongside Virgil van Dijk and integrating into a back four should help mitigate some of the positional risks he’s displayed while speeding his adaptation to the Premier League’s tempo.
Squad implications
If Konaté departs and Joe Gomez continues to battle injuries, Jacquet could quickly claim a starting role. The club’s investment signals a shift toward younger, long-term defensive planning as Virgil van Dijk approaches the later stages of his contract.
Outlook and adaptation timeline
Adaptation will be crucial.
Expect initial growing pains when Jacquet moves to England, particularly in decision-making under Premier League pressure.
Over time, his athleticism, composure and passing range project him as a high-upside signing who can materially improve Liverpool’s defensive metrics once fully integrated.
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Jérémy Jacquet is considered one of the top defensive prospects in Europe and will sign for Liverpool. But what do you need to know about him?
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