Liverpool Agree Jeremy Jacquet Deal After PSG Hesitation

Liverpool have moved decisively in the market, agreeing a £60 million deal for highly rated defender Jeremy Jacquet, a player who was once closely assessed by PSG before slipping through their recruitment net. The France youth international has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising centre backs, and his expected arrival at Anfield under Arne Slot reflects Liverpool’s long term planning following their Premier League success in 2024/25.

Jacquet’s journey has not followed a straightforward path. While he is now widely regarded as a leading defensive prospect, PSG previously had reservations about his development when he was younger. Those early doubts contrast sharply with the form he has shown at Rennes this season, where his performances have attracted attention across Europe.

PSG scouting decision that shaped Jeremy Jacquet’s rise

As a teenager, Jeremy Jacquet trained within elite academy environments and drew interest from PSG scouts. However, their technical evaluation raised questions at the time. A former PSG scout told La Parisien: “PSG hesitated between him and Sékou Doucouré, whose profile was more in line with the club’s vision for the future.

“Jacquet had talent, but he seemed less technically ready.”

That decision ultimately proved significant. Doucouré did not progress into the PSG first team picture and later moved on, while Jacquet continued to refine his game elsewhere. The episode highlights how youth recruitment often involves calculated risks, particularly when assessing players at such an early stage of development.

Liverpool planning around Arne Slot’s defensive rebuild

Liverpool’s interest accelerated as Jacquet matured physically and tactically. Standing at 6’4″, he has developed into a commanding aerial presence and currently ranks among Europe’s most effective defenders in aerial duel success rate, sitting just behind Virgil van Dijk in key metrics.

Slot’s system places strong emphasis on defenders who can carry the ball confidently and distribute under pressure. Jacquet’s improved passing range and composure in possession have made him a natural fit for Liverpool’s evolving style. The club expect him to join after completing rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, which has limited his appearances during the latter stages of his time in France.

Recruitment staff at Liverpool believe the French defender’s trajectory mirrors the club’s philosophy of identifying players before they reach their peak value. His progression at Rennes has reinforced the view that early PSG doubts centred more on timing than long term ability.

Potential PSG and Liverpool Champions League rematch

There is added intrigue surrounding Jacquet’s move given Liverpool’s recent Champions League encounters with PSG. Last season’s knockout clash produced one of the tightest ties of the competition, despite arriving earlier than many anticipated. Observers felt Liverpool provided PSG with one of their sternest challenges on the road to European success.

This season, PSG remain a formidable opponent, though performances have suggested vulnerabilities, particularly during their play off tie against Monaco. Should the clubs meet again later in the competition, Jacquet’s impending switch to Liverpool would add another narrative layer to an already compelling rivalry.

Liverpool supporters will view the signing as a statement of intent. PSG’s earlier hesitation now reads as a missed opportunity, while Liverpool appear poised to benefit from a defender who has grown rapidly into one of France’s most talked about young talents.