Jeremy Jacquet admits transfer pressure after choosing Liverpool over Chelsea and Man United

New Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet has admitted the weight of his hefty transfer fee is already pushing him to prove himself after completing a high-profile move from Stade Rennais to Liverpool.

The 20-year-old defender agreed his switch to Anfield in February, with Liverpool paying an initial £55 million plus a further £5 million in add-ons to secure one of Europe’s most highly rated young centre-backs before the summer transfer window officially opens.

Despite strong interest from Chelsea F.C. and Manchester United F.C., Jacquet chose Liverpool after becoming convinced by the club’s long-term sporting vision.

Speaking to French outlet Ouest-France, the defender acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his transfer fee but insisted he is mentally prepared for the challenge awaiting him in the Premier League.

“Promising young players command quite high prices and of course, that adds pressure: am I worth that price or not? I think I have the minimum resources to go there. I’m going there to play as much as possible.”

Jacquet said the decision to leave Rennes was not rushed, although he quickly became convinced Liverpool offered the best environment for his development at this stage of his career.

“For me, there’s the sporting project and the personal project. At my age, I prioritise the sporting side. I’m focused on football.”

Van Dijk factor proved decisive

One of the major influences behind Jacquet’s decision was the opportunity to learn from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, whom the Frenchman believes can elevate his game significantly.

The youngster revealed concerns over competition for places at Chelsea played a part in rejecting the London club, while Liverpool’s defensive structure appeared far more appealing.

“At Chelsea, I felt there were quite a lot of people (in his position). Whereas at Liverpool, apart from the fact that Virgil van Dijk is nearing the end of his career, training with him is going to be huge.”

Jacquet also pointed to the presence of fellow French defender Ibrahima Konaté as another important factor in helping him settle quickly on Merseyside.

“He’s going to teach me so much. There’s also Ibou Konate, who can help me settle in. Training with guys like that, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Liverpool preparing for defensive transition

Jacquet is expected to report for pre-season training in early July after recovering from shoulder surgery and completing rehabilitation work during the off-season.

He will join fellow young defender Giovanni Leoni as part of Liverpool’s evolving defensive rebuild, with the club gradually planning for life beyond Van Dijk’s peak years.

For Liverpool, Jacquet represents both a major investment for the future and a player expected to contribute immediately. For the defender himself, the challenge is clear: justify the enormous fee and establish himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs before turning 21.