Liverpool have reportedly secured the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, beating out Chelsea in a deal worth a guaranteed £55 million with £5 million in potential add-ons. The 20-year-old will remain with the Ligue 1 side for the remainder of the current season and is expected to join the Reds in the summer.

Jacquet's impressive performances for Rennes, where he has made 18 appearances this season, have attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich. However, Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners, convincing the player that Anfield is the ideal destination for his development. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed upon, and Jacquet is expected to undergo a medical.

Chelsea, long-time admirers of Jacquet, had been in discussions with Rennes earlier in January, but were ultimately unwilling to meet the French club's asking price, which would have surpassed the €60 million Manchester City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023. Liverpool, however, have matched Rennes' valuation and moved swiftly to finalize the deal.

Several factors are believed to have influenced Jacquet's decision to choose Liverpool over Chelsea. These include Liverpool's clear development pathway into the first team and concerns that a move to Chelsea could hinder his progress due to their already deep squad and tendency to loan out young players. The potential departure of Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool in the summer, when his contract expires, may have also played a role in Jacquet's decision.

The signing of Jacquet could signal a shift in Liverpool's defensive lineup, with the young Frenchman potentially replacing Konate. Liverpool's recruitment department believes that Jacquet's profile aligns with their evolving defensive structure, especially in terms of ball progression and positional versatility.

In addition to Jacquet, Liverpool had also explored other defensive options during the transfer window. They were reportedly interested in Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. However, a deal for Geertruida did not materialize.

The acquisition of Jeremy Jacquet represents a significant investment in Liverpool's future and demonstrates their commitment to remaining competitive in both domestic and European competitions. The transfer also highlights Ligue 1's role as a breeding ground for emerging defensive talent.