Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for an initial £55m plus £5m in add-ons. His arrival strengthens a defence facing potential exits and injuries; punters may back Liverpool for improved clean-sheet odds, bet on Jacquet to start early, or look at player minutes markets as the club reshuffles its central defence.
Liverpool complete £60m capture of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet
Born in Bondy and celebrated as one of France's promising defensive talents, Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool later this year in a deal worth an initial £55 million, with a further £5m in add-ons. Chelsea and Arsenal were credited with interest, but it is the Reds who have secured his services.
Late bloomer with pedigree — Rennes academy graduate
Jacquet arrived at Rennes as a youngster and progressed through a respected academy that has produced several high-profile French exports. Injuries and growth-related setbacks slowed his early trajectory, but he emerged as a composed, physically capable centre-back known for his reading of danger. He earned a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championship.
Loan at Clermont and the pathway to the first team
A loan spell at Clermont tested Jacquet’s resilience. He struggled for minutes during the club’s relegation campaign, but flourished after the loan was extended in Ligue 2. His improved form prompted Rennes to recall him, and his impact was immediate: Rennes registered 355 minutes without conceding when Jacquet featured, helping the side climb to mid-table safety.
Why Jacquet chose Liverpool
Jacquet appears to have chosen Liverpool because of the clear pathway to regular first-team minutes. The Reds face uncertainty in central defence — Ibrahima Konate could leave on a free transfer, Giovanni Leoni is ruled out until next season, and Virgil van Dijk is entering the latter stages of his career. Those gaps create an opportunity for Jacquet to feature prominently at Anfield.
What Jacquet brings and betting implications
Technically sound and tactically alert, Jacquet brings the reading-of-play and aerial presence Liverpool will want. For bettors, his arrival could shift short-term markets: expect markets on Liverpool clean sheets and defensive stability to tighten, player-starting XI and minutes markets to favour Jacquet early on, and potential long-term bets on defensive cohesion as he settles.
From Bondy to the Premier League
Hailing from the same Parisian suburb that produced other elite talents, Jacquet’s rise is another example of Rennes’ production line of young prospects moving to England.
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His transfer marks Rennes’ most expensive exit and positions Jacquet for an important role in Liverpool’s next defensive chapter.
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