Liverpool agree reported £60m deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, beating Chelsea

Liverpool have reportedly beaten Premier League rivals Chelsea to the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with a £60 million package said to be in place for the 20-year-old ahead of a summer move, Sky Sports and Goal report. Terms of the agreement are reported to be £55m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with personal terms for Jacquet described as “not expected to be an issue.” Sky Sports says the deal is being arranged now as the winter market closes and is planned to take effect for the 2026-27 campaign.

Jacquet, a France Under-21 international and product of Rennes’ academy, has made 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season and attracted interest across Europe after a series of strong displays. French expert Julien Laurens told Sky Sports the youngster has huge potential and compared his breakthrough to the early days of William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, while noting Jacquet still has a long way to go.

Chelsea had been among the clubs pursuing Jacquet and held talks with the player and his representatives, but are said to have been unwilling or unable to match Liverpool’s package. Sky Sports claims Chelsea offered the same deal but, after Mamadou Sarr’s return to the club and Josh Acheampong staying, the player opted for Liverpool.

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