Who is Jeremy Jacquet? Liverpool tipped to join Bayern Munich and Chelsea in $83M transfer race

Jeremy Jacquet could be one of the most in-demand center-backs on the market this summer, with Rennes desperate to keep him this month and Liverpool among those linked

Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes.(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Come the summer, as things stand, Liverpool will lose Ibrahima Konate as a free agent when his contract expires and Virgil van Dijk will be about to turn 35.

Giovanni Leoni, who is a hugely promising defender, will have to be eased back after an ACL injury, and Joe Gomez — who will miss the Champions League clash with Qarabag through injury — remains prone to absences.

Already, it looks like Arne Slot is light of defensive options. And having missed out on Marc Guehi, who has joined Manchester City, Liverpool will have to be in the market for another center-back or two, with Jeremy Jacquet one name to keep an eye on.

Chelsea has looked to get ahead of the pack by signing the 20-year-old this month, but Rennes is desperate to keep its star man for the remainder of the campaign.

"I believe Jeremy is very important for our objectives, and if he were to leave, we would have to lower those objectives, because he's an essential player for us, one of the best in our team," Rennes head coach Habib Beye said.

In the summer, Rennes would be more amenable to an exit. According to Fabrizio Romano, as well as the Stamford Bridge side, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also eyeing the player.

Additionally, The Times has also suggested Jacquet is one to watch for the Reds in the next window with various defenders under consideration ahead of what could be another important period in the market.

Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain competes for possession with Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais.(Image: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Jacquet is one of the most promising defenders in Ligue 1 and Liverpool, of course, is very much in need of more options at the back. He would cost around $83 million (£60 million).

But what else do we know about him and why are Europe's top clubs circling?

Jacquet stands at 1.90 meters and is an imposing figure who is strong in possession. He has a penchant for dribbling out with the ball and can progress it either that or via passing. He has all the hallmarks of a modern defender.

Despite being so young for a center-back, he has started every game for Rennes this season in Ligue 1, aside from the two where he was suspended.

Though he is yet to play for France at international level, he has come through the youth system and has captained his country at the younger levels.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds simply have to sign at least one center-back in the summer. The question is what age and profile that player is (and also how long it will take Leoni to get back up to speed).

Jacquet would appear to be one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Europe. At Liverpool, given the lack of other options, there would be a clear pathway to minutes.

If Liverpool could tie Konate down, sign a player like Jacquet, and keep Gomez while Leoni gets back up to full fitness, that would feel like the right balance to head into next season with.