Rennes manager Habib Beye has called on the club to resist selling young defender Jeremy Jacquet during the January transfer window, despite Chelsea reportedly agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old.
Jacquet is said to be pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge, but Beye insists the player is too vital to Rennes’ ambitions to let him leave midway through the season.
Following Rennes’ 1-1 draw with Le Havre on Sunday, Beye, who is of Senegalese descent, spoke candidly about Jacquet’s importance to the squad.
“I believe that today he is a very important player for our objectives,” he said. “If tomorrow we were to let him go, we would have to lower our expectations.”
The French coach acknowledged the lure of a club like Chelsea, but made it clear that Jacquet’s contributions on the pitch outweigh any potential transfer fee.
“When you have offers from such a club, it can make things a little hesitant. I’m very firm on this situation. He is an essential player for us.”
Jacquet has been a consistent presence in Rennes’ defense this season, helping stabilize a backline that has struggled at times in Ligue 1.
With Rennes aiming for a top-four finish and European qualification, Beye believes retaining the youngster is crucial for maintaining momentum in the second half of the campaign.
