Liverpool have secured a major transfer victory, reaching a verbal agreement to sign highly-rated Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth up to £60 million, beating Chelsea to the French prodigy's signature.
The 20-year-old defender, who had also been a key target for Chelsea, is set to move to Anfield this summer after Liverpool agreed to pay a fixed fee of £55 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons. Jacquet is scheduled to undergo his medical on Transfer Deadline Day.
Despite Chelsea offering identical terms, the player's decision shifted in the last 48 hours when it became clear that Chelsea's defensive ranks would be reinforced by returning loanees Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong. Jacquet reportedly believes he will have better long-term first-team prospects at Liverpool.
Chelsea currently have an overload of young centre-backs including Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Aaron Anselmino and Jorrel Hato, with Levi Colwill returning from injury soon. Liverpool, meanwhile, have only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as fit senior centre-backs, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni injured.
French football expert Julien Laurens hailed the signing, comparing Jacquet to emerging stars like William Saliba and Wesley Fofana. "He's the real deal... He is going to be amazing. It's about how much you value that potential and talent," Laurens stated.
The transfer represents a significant statement of intent from Liverpool, who missed out on Marc Guéhi last summer and have moved decisively to secure one of Europe's most promising defensive talents.
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