Liverpool Assess Jeremy Jacquet as Konate Concerns Grow
Liverpool’s mid-season planning has taken on fresh urgency, according to Sky Sports, with senior figures preparing for decisive moves in January. The club’s defensive structure has come under sustained scrutiny, and the situation surrounding Ibrahima Konate has accelerated discussion over a possible reinforcement. With limited depth and performances dipping at a difficult moment, attention has turned to a rising talent attracting strong interest across Europe: Jeremy Jacquet.
Konate’s Struggles Prompt Strategic Reassessment
Konate has endured a challenging campaign, with Arne Slot publicly acknowledging his frustrations over repeated defensive lapses. Whether the issue stems from uncertainty over the Frenchman’s long-term role, or from wider structural gaps in the system, the outcome has been the same: Liverpool lack reliability in the heart of defence.
The squad situation offers little flexibility. Joe Gomez’s fitness record continues to present complications, while Giovanni Leoni has remained unavailable since suffering an injury early in the season. Slot’s options have been stretched thin, making rotation or tactical reshaping difficult.
Those close to the club recognise that the status quo cannot continue deep into the campaign. Failure to strengthen in January risks placing the season under significant threat, particularly given the fixture demands set to intensify after Christmas.
New Targets Emerge as January Planning Intensifies
Marc Guehi has long been viewed as a natural solution, yet a winter transfer appears improbable. With his contract winding down and a summer move expected, Crystal Palace are not anticipated to sanction a sale mid-season.
That has pushed Liverpool’s recruitment team to broaden their search. Reports from Switzerland indicate that scouts have invested considerable time monitoring Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, and internal assessments describe him as a player with standout qualities. Their analysis suggests Jacquet possesses the attributes to grow into an elite centre-back at the highest level.
Jeremy Jacquet Profile and Potential
Jacquet, just 20 and already drawing widespread attention in Ligue 1, fits the profile Liverpool have previously targeted: strong, athletic, composed under pressure and confident in possession. Those familiar with his development highlight his pace, timing in duels, and impressive reading of the game.
His technical range is equally noteworthy. Jacquet progresses play through both vertical passing and controlled ball retention, demonstrating maturity beyond his age. In terms of long-term projection, he is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, and his ceiling is considered extremely high.
The prospect of him operating alongside Virgil van Dijk has been described by those within the club as particularly appealing. In longer-term planning, a potential Jacquet-Leoni partnership also excites analysts, with the Italian expected to regain full strength after recovering from his ACL setback.
Such a pairing could offer Liverpool stability and dominance for the next decade, aligning with the club’s strategy of blending elite experience with high-upside youth.
January Decision Looms
Liverpool now face a pivotal call. With their season at a delicate juncture, January recruitment may determine how effectively they can navigate both short-term pressures and future planning. Jacquet appears firmly on their radar, and the strength of internal scouting suggests a structured move could soon follow.
If the club proceed, it would mark a decisive investment not just in immediate depth, but in redefining the long-term complexion of their defensive unit.
