🎥 VIDEO: A look at the quality and talent of Liverpool’s new signing, Jeremy Jacquet.
Every dominant team eventually faces the same difficult reality: what happens when the foundation begins to weaken? At Liverpool, that question centres on a towering figure who has defined an era.
Virgil van Dijk remains the heartbeat of the defence — commanding, influential, and authoritative — but at 34 and contracted until 2027, the club cannot afford to wait for decline before acting. Elite clubs anticipate change; they prepare while standards are still high.
That is why Liverpool’s agreement to sign Jérémy Jacquet feels less like a routine transfer and more like a calculated long-term move.
The Reds have struck a deal with Stade Rennais for the 20-year-old centre-back to join ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the transfer reportedly worth £55 million plus up to £5 million in add-ons, subject to international clearance and a work permit. Jacquet is expected to remain in Ligue 1 until the end of the current season before arriving at Anfield in the summer — a timeline that reflects careful planning rather than urgency.
More than just another young defender
It’s easy to label any high-priced youngster as a gamble on potential, but Liverpool’s recruitment strategy rarely works that way. They don’t simply buy talent; they target players who match the league’s intensity, tactical demands, and the pressures of playing in a high defensive line.
Jacquet fits that blueprint. He is physically strong, assertive in duels, reliable in the box, and dominant in the air — traits that hint at what Liverpool might need in a future where Van Dijk is no longer the central organiser. The fee itself speaks volumes: in a market where proven centre-backs are scarce or prohibitively expensive, Liverpool are investing in youth, experience, and upside, with time built in for development. Reports suggest the club views him as a cornerstone of their defensive rebuild — a proactive move rather than a reactive one.
Growing hype, grounded reality
Jacquet’s rise has attracted serious attention. French football analyst Julien Laurens has compared his trajectory to William Saliba’s breakthrough in France — a comparison that naturally raises expectations, given Saliba’s current elite status. Sky Sports echoed the excitement while cautioning that progress at this level is never guaranteed.
That balance is crucial. Jacquet possesses significant tools, but the Premier League is unforgiving to raw talent.
Evidence, not hype
What strengthens the case for Jacquet is not highlight reels but genuine experience. He has already made around 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season — an impressive workload for a 20-year-old centre-back in a demanding league. At youth international level, he was also named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, reinforcing his reputation as a player with elite potential backed by real performances.
Living in Van Dijk’s shadow
Labeling anyone the “next Van Dijk” is dangerous. Van Dijk is more than a defender; he stabilises the entire system, dictates structure, and elevates those around him. Jacquet won’t replicate that immediately — and he doesn’t have to.
The brilliance of this deal lies in its timing. Liverpool are creating a developmental runway, allowing Jacquet to grow gradually through managed minutes, mentorship, and tactical learning rather than being forced into responsibility overnight.
Winning the race matters
Liverpool’s pursuit of Jacquet was reportedly competitive, with Chelsea also linked to the player. When top clubs converge on the same target, it usually confirms that the scouting consensus is strong.
But a major fee brings inevitable pressure. Every error risks being magnified, every quiet performance scrutinised. Liverpool’s challenge will be shielding Jacquet from unrealistic expectations while accelerating his adaptation.
What it means for Liverpool’s future
Even before Jacquet arrives, the message is clear: Liverpool are already shaping the next generation of their defence. They refuse to wait until Van Dijk’s decline becomes obvious before acting.
This strategy is sensible — but it requires consistency. One high-potential signing alone won’t solve long-term squad planning. The coming months will demand smart decisions around minutes, contracts, and defensive partnerships.
For now, the story is straightforward: Liverpool have acted early, invested heavily, and placed faith in a young defender they believe can define their next era. Whether Jacquet becomes a successor, a partner, or a leader in his own right remains to be seen.
This is not Liverpool gambling.
It is Liverpool preparing.