Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hailed the acquisition of French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet as a key component of the club’s strategy for life after captain Virgil van Dijk.
The 20-year-old, who has Ivorian heritage, will join Anfield this summer following a £60million ($81.5m) deal agreed with Ligue 1 side Rennes, officially confirmed on deadline day, Monday, February 2.
Slot stressed that the signing is part of Liverpool’s forward-looking approach, rather than a reaction to immediate concerns in defence.
“This club does everything they do for a reason,” he said. “It’s never from panic, it’s a long-term idea — something that has been thought about for a long time by multiple people. Of course, we are aware of the fact that Virgil won’t play for this club for another 10 years. But he has one and a half years on his contract left.”
The Dutch defender, who turns 35 in July, remains central to Liverpool’s plans alongside Joe Gomez, whose contract runs until 2027.
Jacquet, a France under-21 international, is the latest addition to Liverpool’s growing crop of young centre-backs, following the signings of Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Both teenagers impressed at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last November and will continue their development at Liverpool’s academy, highlighting the club’s dual focus on immediate squad reinforcement and nurturing future talent.
Slot praised Jacquet’s potential, describing him as “a very big talent” and underlining that Liverpool target players who can improve the team both now and in the years to come.
The manager also addressed Curtis Jones’ future, confirming there was no chance of a loan move despite speculation, while keeping focus on squad balance ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against second-placed Manchester City.
