Liverpool’s £60m French defensive star set to undergo medical

Jeremy Jacquet Medical Signals Liverpool’s Long-Term Defensive Strategy

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the highly rated centre-back set to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed move to Anfield. The deal represents another significant investment in youth and long-term planning, as the club continue to reshape their squad for the coming decade.

According to reporting from nytimes.com and The Athletic, Jacquet is expected to arrive in the north west of England to complete medical tests before finalising a contract that would run until 2031, with an option for a further 12 months.

Transfer specialist David Ornstein has consistently outlined Liverpool’s confidence in completing the deal, stating: “Jeremy Jacquet is scheduled to travel to Merseyside for his medical, with Liverpool progressing towards finalising a long-term agreement.” He added that “personal terms are not expected to present any complications at this stage of negotiations”.

The proposed move underlines Liverpool’s determination to secure elite young talent before market values escalate further.

Jacquet Medical Timetable and Contract Framework

Jacquet’s medical is scheduled to take place early this week, with all parties aiming to complete the process swiftly. Liverpool’s medical and performance staff are expected to conduct a full assessment, given the length and scale of the proposed contract.

The agreement is understood to be worth £55 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. Sources close to the negotiations have indicated that payment structures and bonuses have already been agreed in principle.

Ornstein reported: “Liverpool see Jacquet as a cornerstone signing and are prepared to commit significant resources to secure him early in the window.” This reflects the club’s desire to conclude major deals before pre-season preparations begin.

The defender is expected to sign a six-year deal, highlighting the club’s confidence in his development trajectory and physical profile. If the medical is completed without issue, formal confirmation is likely to follow shortly.

Liverpool Recruitment Model and Defensive Planning

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jacquet fits squarely within their evolving recruitment model, which prioritises high-potential players capable of delivering value both on the pitch and in the market.

Last summer, the club explored a move for Marc Guehi, only for negotiations with Crystal Palace to collapse late in the window. That experience reinforced the need to act decisively when priority targets become available.

Ornstein explained: “Liverpool believe Jacquet offers greater long-term upside within their model than previous defensive targets.” This belief has driven their willingness to meet Rennes’ valuation.

Recent signings such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak demonstrate a clear pattern: investing in players entering or approaching their peak years. Jacquet is viewed as a vital addition to this emerging core.

With injuries affecting Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni this season, Liverpool have faced recurring issues in central defence. Beyond Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, options have been limited, and Konate’s contract situation adds further uncertainty.

Securing Jacquet now provides both immediate depth and long-term security.

Rennes Development Path and Ligue 1 Impact

Jacquet’s rise through the Rennes academy has been steady and impressive. Having come through the club’s youth system, he established himself in the first team during the second half of the 2024–25 campaign and has continued his progression this season.

Before his suspension in December, he had played every available minute in Ligue 1, underlining his durability and consistency. His performances have combined physical authority with composure in possession, attributes highly valued in Liverpool’s defensive system.

A successful loan spell with Clermont Foot in Ligue 2 accelerated his development, while sustained excellence in France’s top flight drew interest from several Premier League clubs.

Chelsea held discussions with Rennes in January, while Arsenal had monitored Jacquet closely before opting to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. Despite this competition, Liverpool moved decisively to secure pole position.

Ornstein noted: “Multiple clubs tracked Jacquet’s progress, but Liverpool advanced talks quickly once Rennes indicated a willingness to negotiate.” That speed proved crucial in shaping the outcome.

Competition for Signatures and Future Role

Liverpool’s move for Jacquet was not conducted in isolation. Several elite clubs identified him as a future international-level defender, capable of operating in high-possession systems and under intense tactical demands.

With France youth caps up to under-21 level, Jacquet is already regarded as a senior international prospect. His profile aligns with Liverpool’s preference for technically proficient defenders who can contribute to build-up play.

In the short term, Jacquet is expected to compete for minutes while adapting to Premier League intensity. Over time, he is projected to become a central figure in the defensive unit, particularly as senior players move into later stages of their careers.

Ornstein summarised Liverpool’s thinking clearly: “This is a strategic signing, not just a squad addition. Liverpool view Jacquet as part of their defensive core for years to come.”

If the medical proceeds as planned, the move will represent another statement of intent from a club determined to blend elite youth with sustained competitiveness.