Jeremy Jacquet joins Liverpool: French defender signs 5-year deal from Rennes
Synopsis
Liverpool have landed one of France's most-watched young defenders in Jeremy Jacquet — a 20-year-old who was named in the U19 Euro Team of the Tournament just a year ago and has now committed to Anfield on a five-year deal. The signing signals Liverpool's intent to invest early in elite defensive talent before the new season begins.
Key Takeaways
Liverpool have signed French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais on 1 July 2025 .
Jacquet, aged 20 , has signed a five-year contract at Anfield with an option for a further 12 months .
He made 33 senior appearances for Rennes, including 21 in the 2025-26 season before a shoulder injury in February ended his campaign.
Jacquet was named in the official Team of the Tournament at the U19 European Championship in Northern Ireland in 2024 , where France finished runners-up to Spain .
He is expected to be available from the start of Liverpool's pre-season after recovering from his shoulder injury.
Jeremy Jacquet, the 20-year-old French centre-back, has completed his move to Liverpool from Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, signing a five-year contract at Anfield with an option for a further 12 months, subject to international clearance. The deal, first agreed in January 2025, was formally concluded on 1 July 2025.
From Rennes Academy to Anfield
Jacquet progressed through the youth system at Rennes before making his senior debut for the club in January 2024. He accumulated 33 senior appearances in total for Rennes, with 21 of those coming in the 2025-26 campaign alone — a season cut short in February when he sustained a shoulder injury. To sharpen his match readiness, Jacquet spent a loan spell at fellow French side Clermont Foot, though Rennes recalled him midway through when they decided to retain his services. Liverpool subsequently moved to secure him on a permanent basis.
What Jacquet Said
The defender made no secret of his elation upon arriving at the club. 'I am very happy. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here, and I am very excited to get started. For me it's a big dream, it's a big club. A club like Liverpool, it's a big dream for me,' he said, as quoted on Liverpool's official website.
U19 European Championship Pedigree
Jacquet's potential had already been flagged at the highest youth level. He was a regular starter for France at the U19 European Championship held in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2024, where he scored from the penalty spot during the group stage. France reached the final before finishing runners-up to Spain, and Jacquet was named in the official Team of the Tournament — a distinction that underscored his standing as one of European football's most promising young defenders.
Fitness and Pre-Season Availability
Despite the shoulder injury that ended his 2025-26 club season prematurely, Jacquet is expected to be fully fit and available from the start of Liverpool's pre-season. The timing of the transfer allows him a full pre-season to integrate into Arne Slot's squad before competitive fixtures begin. For a side that has consistently challenged at the summit of the Premier League, adding a young, tournament-tested centre-back with a five-year commitment signals clear intent in the defensive department.
Point of View
With a U19 Euro Team of the Tournament accolade and 33 senior appearances already banked, Jacquet is not a speculative buy. The five-year contract with an extension option also suggests Liverpool view him as a long-term fixture in their defensive setup, not a depth option. The real question is how quickly a player who has yet to play outside France adapts to the pace and physicality of the Premier League — a transition that has humbled more experienced imports.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jeremy Jacquet and why has Liverpool signed him?
Jeremy Jacquet is a 20-year-old French centre-back who joined Liverpool from Stade Rennais on 1 July 2025. Liverpool agreed the deal in January 2025 and formally completed it at the start of the summer transfer window, signing him on a five-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.
How many appearances did Jacquet make for Rennes?
Jacquet made 33 senior appearances for Rennes in total, with 21 of those coming in the 2025-26 season before a shoulder injury in February cut his campaign short. He also had a loan spell at Clermont Foot to gain first-team experience before Rennes recalled him.
What was Jacquet's standout achievement at youth level?
Jacquet was named in the official Team of the Tournament at the U19 European Championship held in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2024. He started for France throughout the tournament, scored from the penalty spot in the group stage, and helped his side reach the final, where they finished runners-up to Spain.
When will Jacquet be available for Liverpool?
Jacquet is expected to be fully fit and available from the start of Liverpool's pre-season, having recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in February 2025. The transfer is subject to international clearance.
What contract has Jacquet signed at Liverpool?
Jacquet has signed a five-year contract at Anfield, with the option of a further 12 months. The deal was first agreed in January 2025 and was formally completed on 1 July 2025.
