Liverpool have invested £60m in Jeremy Jacquet, the 21-year-old French centre-back from Rennes, hoping he can shore up a defence that conceded 53 goals last season. Originally signed as understudy to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Jacquet's path to the first team has accelerated after Konate's departure and injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.

The Bondy-born defender, who captained France at every youth level, missed pre-season with a shoulder issue but could feature in friendlies against AS Monaco or Como before the opener at Newcastle on August 23. New head coach Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot, is eager to assess Jacquet alongside Van Dijk.

Despite fewer than 100 senior appearances, Jacquet's leadership and ball-playing ability—90.4% pass completion in Ligue 1—make him suited to the Premier League. A former midfielder modelled on Paul Pogba, he was converted to defence at Rennes, becoming their record sale above Ousmane Dembélé.

European expert Kevin Hatchard notes Rennes were reluctant to sell, with coach Habib Beye stating his departure would force them to lower season goals. Liverpool's decisive January move, beating Chelsea and Bayern Munich, reflects confidence in a player who chose playing time over comfort during loans at Clermont.