Report: Liverpool beat Chelsea in £60m deal

Jacquet Agreement Moves Liverpool Ahead of Chelsea in Summer Transfer Race

Liverpool have taken a significant step in the race for Rennes defender Jacquet, reaching a verbal agreement that puts them ahead of Chelsea in the pursuit of one of France’s most highly rated young centre-backs.

As first reported by talkSPORT, the Merseyside club have agreed a deal worth £55 million, plus a further £5 million in add-ons, for the France Under-21 international. The agreement will see Jacquet remain with Rennes until the end of the current season before completing his move to Anfield in the summer.

The development represents a major shift in the transfer landscape, with Liverpool moving decisively to secure a player who had been a long-term target for Chelsea.

Liverpool Reach Verbal Agreement with Rennes

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Liverpool have been in discussions with Rennes for several weeks, intensifying talks in January to secure a pre-agreement for Jacquet.

Rennes were clear throughout the process that they would not sanction a mid-season departure. Instead, they demanded a deal that would see their defender complete the campaign in Ligue 1 before moving to the Premier League.

That stance allowed Liverpool to structure a deal that suited all parties. The French club will receive a record fee, surpassing the £52 million they received for Jeremy Doku’s move to Manchester City in 2023, while Liverpool secure a long-term defensive reinforcement.

talkSPORT reported that Rennes insisted on a club-record sale, prompting Liverpool to meet their valuation in order to fend off competition. The Reds’ willingness to commit early and meet the financial terms proved decisive in pushing negotiations forward.

Jacquet is now scheduled to undergo a medical ahead of the summer window, with personal terms believed to have been agreed in principle.

Chelsea Withdraw After Reassessing Defensive Plans

Chelsea had been closely monitoring Jacquet’s situation and were initially well placed to complete a deal during the winter window. However, their position shifted in the final stages of negotiations.

Club sources suggest that while Chelsea were aware of Rennes’ valuation, they ultimately decided against proceeding, despite believing personal terms would not present an obstacle.

Several internal factors influenced that decision. The anticipated return of Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg, along with a desire to protect the development pathway of Josh Acheampong, played a key role in Chelsea’s reassessment.

Additionally, Chelsea’s recruitment team were reluctant to block opportunities for emerging defenders already within the squad, leading to a strategic withdrawal from the race.

That opening allowed Liverpool to accelerate talks and move ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Jacquet Profile and Long-Term Potential

At 20 years of age, Jacquet has established himself as one of the most promising defensive talents in French football. His performances for Rennes have attracted widespread interest, with scouts highlighting his composure, physical presence, and ability to play out from the back.

Comfortable in high defensive lines and strong in aerial duels, Jacquet is viewed as well suited to the tactical demands of the Premier League. His experience at Under-21 international level has further underlined his readiness for a step up.

Liverpool’s recruitment staff see him as a long-term investment, capable of developing into a first-choice centre-back over the coming seasons. The club’s focus has been on securing players who can grow within the system rather than relying solely on established stars.

By finalising an agreement months in advance, Liverpool have ensured continuity in their defensive planning while giving Jacquet time to complete his development in Ligue 1.

Transfer Impact on Liverpool and Chelsea Squads

For Liverpool, the agreement represents a proactive response to ongoing defensive challenges. The club had previously missed out on Marc Guehi and have been keen to reinforce their back line with a young, high-upside signing.

Jacquet’s arrival in the summer is expected to provide depth and competition, while also aligning with Liverpool’s broader strategy of combining youth with experience.

From Chelsea’s perspective, stepping away from the deal reflects a shift in focus towards internal solutions and alternative targets. The club continue to reshape their squad under a long-term development model, prioritising academy graduates and returning loanees.

While missing out on Jacquet may disappoint some supporters, Chelsea’s leadership remain confident in their defensive options moving forward.

The episode underlines Liverpool’s growing efficiency in the transfer market, particularly when targeting emerging talent ahead of rivals. Securing Jacquet at this stage gives them a clear advantage heading into the summer window.

As things stand, the Reds appear well positioned to complete one of the most significant defensive signings of the upcoming transfer period.