Liverpool has finalized a £55 million agreement with Rennes for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old, previously linked with Chelsea, is set to join Anfield in the summer following the fee’s confirmation by the French club.
With potential add-ons, the total could reach £60 million, positioning Jacquet as Liverpool’s second-most expensive defender in history, behind Virgil van Dijk.
After their pursuit of Marc Guehi fell through on the final day of the summer transfer window—where Crystal Palace sold the England international to Manchester City—Liverpool set their sights on Jacquet as part of their defensive overhaul.
Ibrahima Konate, who has been a key partner to Van Dijk this season, is also in a precarious position with his contract expiring in the summer, leaving Liverpool at risk of losing him without a transfer fee.
Although the team is currently low on defenders with Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley both ruled out for the remainder of the season and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined for several weeks, Jacquet will not arrive immediately. Rennes is currently sixth in Ligue 1, fighting for European qualification.
Additionally, Liverpool explored a loan deal for Lutsharel Geertruida for the rest of the season. However, it appears too complicated, given the player’s association with head coach Arne Slot at Feyenoord.
The Netherlands international is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, and any agreement would have required the consent of both clubs.