Liverpool slammed over January transfer decision
Liverpool have pushed firmly into the market once again after agreeing a deal worth £55m up front plus £5m in add ons for Jeremy Jacquet. The 20 year old centre back will stay at Rennes until the end of the current campaign before linking up with Arne Slot’s title winning squad in the summer. It is a fee that places Jacquet as the second most expensive defender in the club’s history, only behind Virgil van Dijk, a statistic that underlines the scale of Liverpool’s belief in the Frenchman.
With just 55 senior appearances to his name, Jacquet represents a significant investment in potential. Those close to recruitment at Anfield point to his blend of power, pace and composure as traits that suit the Premier League. Slot has been clear in private about wanting defenders who can handle a high line and build play from the back, and Jacquet fits that profile.
Christophe Dugarry unleashes criticism
Not everyone has welcomed the deal, with Christophe Dugarry leading the charge. The World Cup winner has labelled Liverpool “suckers” for paying what he views as an inflated price. Speaking on RMC Sport’s Rothen s’enflamme programme, Dugarry said:
“This isn’t meant to offend the player – honestly, he’s not to blame at all – and we wish him all the best because he’s a good player. When you have suckers like that… Well done to Rennes.
“This isn’t just a two-tiered football situation anymore. It’s a football that’s lost its mind. Let’s stop trying to pretend there’s a justification for it. There’s no justification whatsoever.
“Even for poor little Jacquet, this transfer is going to put a lot of pressure on him. Even him, the poor kid, who is certainly a very good player, is going to arrive with a pall of pressure.
“Let’s not try to justify this amount by saying it’s because Liverpool have money or whatever. It’s meaningless! I don’t know what’s going on. No, it’s not supply and demand. It’s ridiculous!”
Dugarry’s comments have travelled quickly across France and England, adding a layer of intensity to a move that was already drawing attention.
Transfer strategy behind Liverpool decision
Despite the noise, Liverpool’s recruitment team has a reputation for discipline. This is the same ownership group that declined to chase short term solutions earlier in the season, even when defensive options were available at reduced prices. Their view is that Jacquet offers long term value, someone capable of anchoring the back line for many years.
Sources around the club say the decision was not driven by panic or rivalry but by a conviction that Jacquet can develop into a top level centre back. He is not being asked to deliver instant heroics, instead he is expected to grow into the role as part of Slot’s evolving squad.
Jacquet potential in Premier League spotlight
Those who have watched Jacquet closely in Ligue 1 describe a physically dominant defender with the mentality to cope at a club like Liverpool. France based commentator Matt Spiro has already labelled him a “man mountain”, a phrase that hints at how his frame and aerial ability could translate to English football.
History offers a useful reference point. Van Dijk arrived for a fee that was also questioned, yet his impact was evident.
For now, the focus remains on how the young Frenchman handles the expectation that comes with such a price tag. If he settles quickly and grows into Slot’s system, this transfer could one day be viewed as shrewd rather than reckless.
