The transfer window’s final hours often throw up surprises, and this time it was Manchester United launching a desperate bid for Rennes’ rising star Jérémy Jacquet – only to find Liverpool had already locked in the deal.
Liverpool’s pursuit of the 20-year-old French centre-back has been methodical, culminating in a €25 million agreement with Stade Rennais, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his Here We Go podcast. “Everything is done – personal terms agreed, medical booked,” Romano stated, underscoring the Reds’ efficiency in a market rife with competition.
What makes this signing particularly shrewd is Jacquet’s profile. Standing at 6’3″ with a passing accuracy of 89% in Ligue 1 this season (per Opta data via Transfermarkt), he’s not just a stopper but a ball-playing defender who fits Arne Slot’s build-from-the-back ethos. Scouts have long praised his aerial dominance – winning 72% of duels – and his composure under pressure, traits that echo Virgil van Dijk in his early days.
Chelsea had circled too, eyeing him amid their backline woes, but Liverpool’s pitch won out. Insiders suggest the promise of a clear route to minutes, especially Ibrahima Konaté’s occasional fitness niggles, sealed it. As Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy noted in her analysis, “Liverpool’s project under Slot emphasises youth integration, and Jacquet sees Anfield as the ideal stage to evolve.”
United’s late swoop speaks volumes about their defensive frailties. With Harry Maguire’s deal running down – he’s featured in just 12 league starts this term, per Premier League stats – and questions over Lisandro Martínez’s durability, Old Trafford is scrambling for reinforcements.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany revealed the hijack attempt: “Man United tried in the last hours, but it was too late – agreement with Liverpool was already in place.”
Liverpool’s foresight prevailed. By acting early, they outmanoeuvred rivals, adding depth to a back four.
Jacquet could debut soon, potentially easing the load on Van Dijk, who’s logged over 1,800 minutes already.