Liverpool’s £60 million capture of French prodigy Jeremy Jacquet is already being hailed as a defining investment for the club’s defensive future, with leading football analysts predicting the Rennes centre back could develop into one of the finest defenders in world football.
The 20 year old, who will complete the remainder of the season in Ligue 1 before joining the Reds in the summer, has signed a long term deal that keeps him at Anfield until 2031.
While Liverpool’s recruitment team have consistently focused on emerging elite talent, the acquisition of Jacquet signals a bold commitment to strengthening their backline with a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.
French football specialist Julien Laurens has offered a glowing assessment of Jacquet’s potential, describing the youngster as a rare defensive talent capable of dominating at the highest level.
“It’s a lot of money but Jacquet has everything to become one of the best centre-backs in the world in the next few years. He is arguably the best centre-back of his generation.”
Laurens highlighted the defender’s impressive physical and tactical attributes, pointing to his aerial authority, speed and strength as major assets.
He also praised Jacquet’s ability to anticipate danger and control defensive duels both in the air and on the ground.
Although he noted the defender still has room to improve technically, Laurens believes Jacquet possesses the intelligence and discipline required to evolve into a complete modern centre back, drawing comparisons with Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk.
Despite the excitement surrounding the transfer, Laurens cautioned that adapting to the intensity of English football will present a significant challenge for the young defender.
“It won’t be easy to step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League at a club like Liverpool. It wasn’t easy for Leny Yoro and it wasn’t easy for William Saliba at the beginning too, but Jacquet is so so talented.”
Liverpool supporters will hope the additional development period in France allows Jacquet to mature further before arriving on Merseyside.
