Why Liverpool Chose Jeremy Jacquet Over Marc Guehi

 

 

Liverpool chose to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes during the January transfer window, instead of pursuing Marc Guehi, who has now joined Manchester City. The reasoning behind Liverpool’s decision to spend roughly three times more on Jacquet has now come to light.

Guehi completed his move to Manchester City for around £20m in January, just months after Liverpool came very close to signing him in the summer. The England international even underwent a medical ahead of a potential deal, but Crystal Palace pulled out at the last moment. With his contract set to expire in the summer, a January exit became inevitable.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool opted not to compete with Manchester City for Guehi due to the overall cost. While the transfer fee itself was £20m, additional expenses such as wages and bonuses made the package less appealing. With Guehi nearing free agency, Liverpool felt the investment couldn’t be justified.

Although Guehi would have strengthened the squad in the short term, Liverpool prioritized long-term planning. Jacquet is seen as a more strategic signing, aligning with the club’s recent focus on acquiring young, high-potential talent. Over the past 18 months, the Reds have signed eight first-team players aged 25 or under, including Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.

At 20 years old, Jacquet is just beginning his rise, already a regular in Ligue 1, while Guehi, though only 25, is viewed as approaching his peak. Liverpool invested £60m in Jacquet, hoping the deal will prove to be a bargain in the years ahead.