Liverpool sign Jérémy Jacquet for £55m to fit Iraola’s system

Jérémy Jacquet will join Liverpool from Stade Rennais this summer for a £55 million fee plus £5 million in add‑ons, a 20‑year‑old centre‑back whose profile matches Andoni Iraola’s high‑pressing system. The move addresses Liverpool’s long‑term defensive planning as they adapt to the new managerial era.

Liverpool agreed a £55 million fee plus £5 million in add‑ons to sign Jacquet from Stade Rennais this summer. The 20‑year‑old centre‑back has made fewer than 40 Ligue 1 appearances and is a France U21 international. Rennes have kept him under contract until 2029, meaning Liverpool are buying him before his peak value.

In the 2023‑24 Ligue 1 season Jacquet logged 1,673 minutes and started all 19 of his appearances. He won 75.5 % of his aerial duels, completed 90.4 % of his passes and contributed 27 tackles, 19 interceptions and 91 clearances. Among Ligue 1 centre‑backs he ranked in the top quartile for possessions won and above average for progressive passes completed.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side was known for pressing high, forcing turnovers and requiring defenders to cover large spaces behind the line. Jacquet’s ability to step out of defence, engage attackers early and maintain recovery pace aligns with those tactical demands.

At 1.90 m, Jacquet adds a dominant aerial presence that complements Virgil van Dijk’s leadership at Liverpool. He will learn alongside van Dijk while competing with Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez and Leoni for defensive minutes. Iraola has previously nurtured young defenders such as Dean Huijsen and James Hill, suggesting a supportive environment for the Frenchman’s development.

Jacquet’s disciplinary record this season includes four yellow cards and one red card, indicating moments when his aggression needs control. A shoulder injury sustained after Liverpool agreed the deal adds another layer of uncertainty before his arrival.