UMVA has learned that 20‑year‑old French centre‑back Jeremy Jacquet has chosen Liverpool over a parade of English giants, sealing a deal that could reshape the club’s defensive future.
The Anfield agreement, struck in February, sees Jacquet leave Rennes for a reported £55 million upfront fee plus £5 million in add‑ons, underscoring the premium placed on his raw potential.
Despite limited Ligue 1 experience and no senior caps for France, the young defender has already attracted the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea and several other Premier League powerhouses.
Jacquet revealed that rumors swirled on social media before he could even confirm his move, saying, “A lot of false things were said, but it shows clubs are interested in you.”
He explained that his decision was not a flash decision; “I took my time with this big step, but I quickly saw myself at Liverpool,” he told reporters, dismissing claims that the Reds entered the race at the last minute.
The defender confirmed that Manchester United and Chelsea were among the suitors, noting that the depth of Chelsea’s squad could limit his chances, while Liverpool offered a clearer pathway to first‑team football.
Jacquet highlighted the lure of training alongside Virgil van Dijk and fellow Frenchman Ibrahima Konaté, describing the experience as “huge” and an unrivaled learning opportunity.
He added that the club’s storied history and the project presented by the management weighed heavily in his mind, making Anfield the ideal launchpad for his ambitions.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that a serious shoulder injury, sustained shortly after the deal was agreed, has kept Jacquet sidelined since February, delaying his debut.
Nevertheless, the Reds’ hierarchy remains confident, with the manager praising Jacquet as “more than just a talent”—a long‑term investment that fits the club’s model of nurturing young, high‑potential players.
