Liverpool have completed the signing of highly rated French Under-21 defender Jérémy Jacquet from Stade Rennais in a deal worth up to £60 million, bolstering their defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 20-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Anfield until June 2031, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year. The transfer was officially confirmed on Wednesday, July 1, subject to international clearance.
The deal includes an initial fee of £55 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related bonuses, making Jacquet one of the most expensive French defenders in football history and Liverpool’s second-costliest defensive signing after Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool had reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Rennes during the January transfer window, moving early to fend off interest from several leading European clubs.
Jacquet joins the Premier League champions after recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his 2025/26 campaign in February. The defender has since completed his rehabilitation and has been cleared by Liverpool’s medical staff to take part in the club’s full pre-season programme.
Speaking after completing the move, Jacquet described his transfer to Anfield as a dream come true.
“I feel really good, the first impressions are good and I am very happy to start here. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started. For me, it’s a big dream,” he said.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola identified central defence as a priority following the departure of Ibrahima Konaté to Real Madrid, with Jacquet expected to strengthen competition in the backline.
The France youth international made 33 senior appearances for Rennes and also gained valuable first-team experience during a loan spell at Clermont Foot. He is expected to compete with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni for a starting role alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Jacquet’s arrival reflects Liverpool’s continued recruitment strategy of investing in young, high-potential talent capable of developing into long-term first-team players as the club prepares to defend its domestic title and compete on multiple fronts next season.