Liverpool and Chelsea Battle for Rennes Defender Jacquet

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Rennes center-back Jérémy Jacquet, setting up a direct competition with Chelsea for the young French defender's services. The two Premier League clubs are now in talks with Rennes and the player's representatives as they look to secure a deal for the summer transfer window.

Jacquet, 20, has emerged as one of the most promising defensive talents in European football this season. His performances for the Ligue 1 club have attracted the attention of multiple top clubs, but it is the English sides who are now leading the race for his signature.

Background

Jacquet has been on the radar of several major European clubs for months, but the competition for his services has intensified in recent weeks. Chelsea had already made significant progress in negotiations, with the club agreeing personal terms with the defender earlier this month. The London club was prepared to meet Rennes' financial demands, with reports suggesting a deal could cost around 60 million euros.

However, Liverpool have now accelerated their plans to sign Jacquet, particularly after missing out on other defensive targets. The Reds have been looking to strengthen their backline in recent months and see Jacquet as a key target for their long-term plans.

"The battle for Jeremy Jacquet remains very much ongoing at this stage. Understand Liverpool and Chelsea are both in talks with Rennes and player's camp for the defender. Jacquet would only join in July 2026, as Rennes want." – Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano

Rennes have made it clear that they have no intention of allowing Jacquet to leave the club during the January transfer window. The French club want to keep the defender for the remainder of the season before any summer move takes place. This means both Liverpool and Chelsea will have to wait until the summer to complete any deal.

Key Details

The Competition Heats Up

Liverpool's interest in Jacquet appears to have come as a response to their struggles in defensive recruitment this season. The club has been searching for additional options at center-back and right-back, and Jacquet fits the profile of a young, talented player who can develop under manager Arne Slot.

Chelsea remain confident in their position, having already agreed personal terms with the player. The Blues are ready to meet Rennes' asking price and are prepared to move quickly once the transfer window opens in the summer.

Liverpool, however, are trying to convince Jacquet to choose them over Chelsea. The Reds are hoping that the appeal of joining a club with Liverpool's history and current trajectory will persuade the defender to turn down Chelsea's offer.

The Timeline

Any deal for Jacquet will not happen before July 2026, as Rennes want to keep him for the full season. This gives both clubs several months to negotiate terms and make their cases to the player. Jacquet will remain at Rennes through the end of the 2025-26 season before making his move to the Premier League.

The defender's potential transfer fee is expected to be substantial, with clubs needing to spend significant money to secure his services. The competition between Liverpool and Chelsea is likely to push the price higher as both clubs attempt to outbid each other.

What This Means

For Liverpool, securing Jacquet would represent another statement signing for a club that has been active in the transfer market. The Reds have already brought in several high-profile players in recent windows and view Jacquet as part of their long-term defensive planning.

For Chelsea, losing out on Jacquet after agreeing personal terms would be a significant setback. The club has been trying to rebuild their squad and had identified the defender as a key target for their future plans.

For Jacquet himself, the competition between two of England's biggest clubs represents a significant moment in his career. The 20-year-old has the opportunity to join one of two major Premier League sides and continue his development at the highest level.

Rennes will be pleased with the level of interest in their young defender, as it suggests they have correctly identified and developed talent. The French club will be able to command a substantial fee when Jacquet eventually leaves in the summer.

The battle for Jacquet's signature is likely to dominate transfer discussions over the coming months as Liverpool and Chelsea make their respective pitches to the player and his representatives. Both clubs believe he can become a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.