How Liverpool beat Chelsea to sign highly-rated defender

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a summer transfer deal to sign highly-rated French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, beating rival interest from Chelsea and other clubs for his signature. 

The 20-year-old centre-back emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects after coming through Rennes’ youth system and becoming a regular starter in Ligue 1 this season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rennes reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool for a transfer worth around £55 million upfront, plus up to £5 million in add-ons, totalling approximately £60 million. 

While the deal is expected to be formalised in the summer 2026 transfer window, Jacquet will remain at Rennes for the remainder of the current campaign before joining his new teammates at Anfield. 

Liverpool’s recruitment team have been tracking the France under-21 international for months as part of efforts to reinforce their defence, particularly with uncertainties around Ibrahima Konaté’s future and existing injuries within the back line, and have now secured his signature ahead of Chelsea, who had been strongly linked this month.

Born on 13 July 2005 and standing 1.88 m tall, Jacquet has established himself at Rennes this season with consistent performances in Ligue 1, making more than 30 first-team appearances since breaking into the senior setup and representing France at multiple youth levels. 

Rennes reportedly extended his contract until 2029, strengthening their negotiating position, and were reluctant to sell him mid-season, insisting he stay to help the club’s Ligue 1 and potential European ambitions before moving on in June. 

Liverpool’s willingness to let him stay at Rennes for the remainder of the season and Chelsea’s rich list of young, talented defenders are believed to have influenced Jeremy’s decision to pick the Reds.