In a stunning turn of events that could shake up the January transfer window, Liverpool are poised to swoop in and derail Chelsea’s pursuit of highly-rated Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. With the Reds’ defense in tatters, Arne Slot’s side is desperately seeking reinforcements, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has dropped a bombshell on the exact demands from Rennes that might just tip the scales in Liverpool’s favor—or spark a frantic bidding war.
Liverpool’s Defensive Nightmare Fuels Urgent Hunt
Liverpool’s vulnerabilities at the back were laid bare in their thrilling yet frustrating 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday. The match ended with midfielders Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai slotted into the defensive line, a makeshift solution that highlighted the depth of their crisis. Key absentees included Giovani Lo Celso and Conor Bradley, both ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injuries. Ibrahima Konate was absent for the second straight game on compassionate leave, while Joe Gomez limped off with a knock in the first half. Adding to the woes, left-back Andy Robertson is reportedly the subject of a £5m bid from Tottenham Hotspur, with talks ongoing.
This injury-ravaged backline has left manager Arne Slot scraping the barrel, and the club’s earlier decision to pass on a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is now looking like a costly misstep. Guehi, who impressed during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, was available earlier in the window, but Liverpool held back—only to find themselves in dire straits as the season’s demands intensify. With the Premier League title race heating up and European commitments on the horizon, the Reds can’t afford to wait. Enter Jeremy Jacquet, the 20-year-old French prodigy who’s emerged as a prime target.
Chelsea’s Interest Sparks a High-Stakes Race
Chelsea have been circling Jacquet for much of January, viewing him as a long-term investment to bolster their own defensive options under Enzo Maresca. The Blues, known for their aggressive spending under Todd Boehly’s ownership, were initially keen on sealing a deal this month. However, Rennes’ steep valuation has thrown a wrench in the works. The Ligue 1 club is demanding a club-record fee exceeding the €65m Manchester City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023—potentially as high as €70m. Chelsea, by contrast, have only been willing to stump up between €40m and €50m, creating a significant gap in negotiations.
But here’s where the plot thickens: According to Romano, Rennes have softened their stance slightly. While they’re adamant about retaining Jacquet for the rest of the current season to aid their own campaign, they’re open to agreeing a sale now—with the player’s actual arrival deferred until the summer. “Rennes want to keep Jacquet in the January window,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. “They believe that Jacquet can only leave for crazy money. They want a club record fee, around €65m or €70m. Chelsea only wanted to spend around €40m to €50m, so there is no agreement on the fee.”
Romano continued: “But Rennes also insist to keep the player now, and eventually [agree to] sell the player now for [a move in] the summer. This could be the possibility. So now there is a chance for Jacquet to leave the club in the summer but agree the deal now.”
This “buy now, collect later” clause could be the game-changer, allowing clubs to secure Jacquet’s future without disrupting Rennes’ immediate plans. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to lock in a talent before rivals pounce, but their hesitation over the price tag has opened the door for others.
Liverpool’s Shock Hijack: A Bold Move Amid the Chaos
Seizing the moment, Liverpool have entered the fray with serious intent, aiming to hijack Chelsea’s megadeal. Romano confirmed the Reds’ interest, noting that they’re “following the player” closely. This isn’t just casual scouting—Liverpool see Jacquet as a potential cornerstone for their defense, especially with Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation uncertain and the need for youthful depth evident.
However, the competition doesn’t stop at Stamford Bridge. Bayern Munich are also in the mix, with the German giants making inquiries. “Clubs interested? Chelsea are there, for sure, to sign him now before arriving in the summer,” Romano revealed. “Liverpool are also interested and following the player. Bayern Munich are also calling for the player. So these three clubs are involved in the race for Jacquet to agree a deal now and [have him arrive] in the summer.”
For Liverpool fans, this development is a double-edged sword. On one hand, landing Jacquet would be a blockbuster coup, injecting fresh talent into a squad that’s shown vulnerabilities. The youngster’s composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence make him a perfect fit for Slot’s possession-based style. But the catch? He won’t be available until next season, leaving the Reds to navigate the remainder of 2025/26 without his services. With the window closing soon, this could force Liverpool to pivot to short-term options elsewhere, potentially at a premium.
The Dramatic Late Twist: Will Rennes’ Terms Seal the Deal?
As the transfer deadline looms, Rennes’ insistence on a summer handover adds layers of intrigue. It protects their season while maximizing Jacquet’s value, but it also risks alienating suitors who need immediate help—like Liverpool. Could this lead to a dramatic escalation? If Chelsea balk at the fee, Liverpool might table a bid closer to Rennes’ demands, forcing the Blues to match or fold. Bayern’s involvement adds another wildcard, potentially driving the price even higher.
One thing’s for sure: This saga has all the makings of a January blockbuster. Liverpool’s shock intervention could not only disrupt Chelsea’s plans but also reshape the defensive landscape across Europe. As Romano’s insights suggest, the exact terms—a record fee and delayed arrival—might just be the catalyst for a late-window twist that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned; Anfield might just pull off the heist of the season.