Liverpool Finalizes Pre-Agreement for Rennes Defender Jérémy Jacquet
Liverpool has finalized a pre-agreement to sign defender Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes during the summer transfer window. The transfer is valued at £55 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.
Jacquet, aged 20, is identified as a crucial element in Liverpool's planned defensive restructuring.
Jacquet's Choice: Bypassing Chelsea
Chelsea had previously reached a fee agreement for Jacquet. However, their decision to recall center-back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and retain Josh Acheampong altered the situation.
Jacquet reportedly favored Liverpool's proposal, anticipating increased playing opportunities.
Liverpool's Defensive Restructuring Efforts
Liverpool is seeking to strengthen its defense amidst uncertainty regarding the contract statuses of Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson, both of whom have contracts expiring in the summer.
The club's prior attempt to sign Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace for £35 million was unsuccessful; Guéhi later joined Manchester City. Liverpool also engaged in discussions for Lutsharel Geertruida in January but did not pursue the deal due to Sunderland's inability to find a replacement player.
Current Injury Concerns
This season, Liverpool has faced numerous defensive injuries. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined for the remainder of the season, while Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong are also currently injured.
League Standing
The team is positioned sixth in the Premier League standings, 14 points behind the league leader, Arsenal, and two points behind Manchester United, who are in fourth place.