Liverpool’s £60million January signing sparks surprise loan move just hours after confirmation of record deal
On the final day of the January transfer window, Liverpool secured Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for £60 million, marking the biggest deadline day acquisition. The English club surpassed Chelsea’s interest to land the 20-year-old defender on a lengthy contract, though he will not feature at Anfield immediately.
Rather than joining Liverpool’s squad straight away, Jacquet will remain at Rennes until summer 2026. The young player passed his medical examination and subsequently returned to France to continue his development in Ligue 1 for the remainder of the season while completing his current obligations.
The deal structure involved an initial £55 million with additional conditional payments reaching £60 million total. This transaction represents Rennes’ record sale, surpassing the £52 million Manchester City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023. The arrangement reflects Rennes’ preference for retaining their young talent through the campaign.
Chelsea had pursued Jacquet aggressively throughout the window, but diverged from Liverpool in approach. The Blues demanded immediate first-team inclusion, whereas Rennes prioritized keeping him for their push toward European qualification and domestic cup success. Liverpool’s willingness to accommodate this timeline proved decisive.
Jacquet has accumulated 19 appearances across all competitions this season and remains on the verge of his first senior France call-up. His international experience includes five appearances for France’s Under-21 side, demonstrating his rapid progression through elite developmental pathways.
