Jeremy Jacket medical signals Liverpool’s long-term defensive strategy

Liverpool has signed Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the highly rated centre-back set to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed move to Anfield.

The deal represents another significant investment in youth and long-term planning, as the club continues to rebuild their squad for the next decade

According to reports from nytimes.com and The Athletic, Jackett is expected to arrive in northwest England to complete a medical before finalising a deal that will run until 2031, with an option for a further 12 months.

Transfer expert David Ornstein has consistently outlined Liverpool’s confidence in completing the deal, saying, “Jeremy Jackett is set to move to Merseyside for his medical; Liverpool moves towards finalising a long-term deal.”

He added that “individual terms are not expected to present any complications at this stage of negotiations”.

The proposed move signals Liverpool’s determination to secure elite young talent before the market value rises further.

Jacket medical schedule and contract structure

Jackett’s treatment is set to take place early this week, with all parties aiming to complete the process quickly. Liverpool’s medical and performance staff are expected to make a full assessment given the length and scale of the proposed deal.

The deal is understood to be worth £55m, with a further £5m in potential add-ons. The payment structure and bonuses have already reached a principle agreement, according to sources close to the talks.

Ornstein reported: “Liverpool see Jacquet as a cornerstone signing and are prepared to commit significant resources to securing him early in the window.”

This reflects the club’s desire to finalise major contracts before starting pre-season preparations.

The defender is expected to sign a six-year contract, highlighting the club’s confidence in his development trajectory and physical profile.

Should the treatment proceed smoothly, formal confirmation could be imminent.

Liverpool recruitment model and defensive scheme

Liverpool’s pursuit of the jacket fits perfectly with their evolving recruitment model, which prioritises high-potential players capable of delivering value both on the pitch and in the market.

Last summer, the club explored a move for Marc Guehi, only for talks with Crystal Palace to collapse late in the window. That experience reinforces the need to act decisively when priority goals become available.

Ornstein explained, “Liverpool believes that Jacket’s model offers a long-term upside over previous defensive targets.” This belief drove their desire to meet Rennes’ assessment.

Recent signings, such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ektic, Milos Kerkej, and Aleksandar Isak, demonstrate a clear pattern:

investing in players entering or approaching their prime years. This emerging core views the jacket as an important addition.

Despite Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leone’s impressive performances this season, Liverpool have consistently encountered issues in their central defence.

The absence of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk restricts options, and Konate’s contract situation exacerbates the uncertainty.

Securing the jacket now provides both immediate depth and long-term security.

Rennes’ development path and Ligue 1 impact

Jaquet’s rise through the Rennes academy has been steady and impressive. After coming through the club’s youth system,

He established himself in the first team in the second half of the 2024–25 campaign and has continued his progress this season.

Before his suspension in December, he played every available minute in Ligue 1, indicating his durability and consistency.

His performances combined consistency with physical authority, highly valued traits in Liverpool’s defensive system.

A successful loan spell with Clermont Foot in Ligue 2 accelerated his development, while sustained excellence in France’s top flight attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Chelsea held talks with Rennes in January, while Arsenal closely monitored Jaquet before signing Cristian Mosquera from Valencia.

Despite this competition, Liverpool decisively went on to secure pole position.

Ornstein noted, “Several clubs tracked Jaquet’s progress, but Liverpool moved quickly into negotiations when Rennes indicated a willingness to negotiate.”

That momentum proved crucial in shaping the outcome.

Competition for signings and future roles

Liverpool did not conduct its move for Jacquet in isolation. Several elite clubs have identified him as a future international-level defender, capable of operating in high-possession systems and under intense tactical demands.

With France’s youth caps up to the under-21 level, Jaquet is already regarded as a senior international prospect.

His profile aligns with Liverpool’s preference for technically skilled defenders who can contribute to build-up play.

In the short term, Jackett is expected to compete for minutes as he adapts to the intensity of the Premier League.

In time, he is projected to become a central figure in the defensive unit, especially as senior players move on to the later stages of their careers.

Ornstein succinctly summed up Liverpool’s thinking: “This is a strategic signing, not just a squad addition. Liverpool sees Jacquet as their defensive core for years to come.”

If the medical goes ahead as planned, the move will represent another statement of intent for a club determined to mix elite youth with sustained competition.