Jeremy Jacquet's first words as a Liverpool player as $82M transfer from Rennes confirmed

The defender's summer transfer was announced on the final day of the winter window. While he is looking forward to joining the Reds next season, his priorities are clearly still in France

Latest Liverpool transfer news on transfer deadline day as the Reds close in on the signing of Jeremy Jacquet

Jeremy Jacquet has released a statement following the confirmation of his transfer to Liverpool, with the defender claiming it is an honor to join “one of the greatest football institutions in the world”.

Jacquet’s move from Rennes was confirmed on Monday night, although the 20-year-old will not meet up with his new team-mates until next season, with the transfer being ratified from July 1.

The Reds have agreed to pay an initial £55 million ($75M) and a further £5M ($7M) in add-ons, with Jacquet signing a five-year contract that can be extended by a further 12 months. Liverpool feels it has procured one of the best young center-backs on the planet, and supporters will be able to watch Jacquet’s development for Rennes over the coming months.

In a statement released by the player a few hours after the deal was confirmed, the defender said finishing the season strongly at Rennes is hugely important to him.

“I am honoured to sign for Liverpool, one of the greatest football institutions in the world,” he said, in a statement released by Rennes after the transfer was announced.

“It was also very important for me to finish my time in red and black on a high, at my boyhood club, the club of my heart.

“I'm approaching this second half of the season with the desire to experience some great moments with my team-mates and the fans.”

Rennes is currently sixth in Ligue 1 and in the running for a European spot.

Jacquet has played 18 of the club’s 20 league matches, missing two due to suspension.

The Frenchman attracted interest from Chelsea in the January window, and Europe’s elite sides have long been keeping an eye on his progress.

Liverpool was among that cohort and made a definitive move to sign Jacquet over the weekend, as it looks to make a head start on addressing its center-back issues ahead of the summer.

Jacquet will begin Liverpool's transition at the heart of defense(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez could still leave the club before the 2026/27 season, and Jacquet’s arrival is in keeping with the club’s long-held policy of identifying center-backs who will offer longevity and value for money.

That is ultimately why the club opted not to pursue a deal for Marc Guehi, allowing Manchester City to secure his transfer from Crystal Palace.

Despite Jacquet costing twice as much as Guehi, Liverpool felt it was a transfer that aligned with its policies.

It does leave Liverpool light on defensive numbers now, however. Four of Arne Slot’s eight defenders are injured at present, two of whom will not play again this season.