Liverpool confirm £60million signing in biggest 2026 deadline day signing – and immediately send him on loan

Liverpool have fended off competition from Chelsea to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a £60million package deal.

In what is the biggest deadline day signing on Monday, the Reds have announced the 20-year-old’s arrival on a long-term contract.

Getty

But fans won’t be able to see him grace the Anfield pitch this season, with the France Under-21 international to join on July 1.

“Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance,” a Liverpool statement read.

“The Reds have secured a deal for the 20-year-old that will see him complete the remainder of the current campaign in Ligue 1 and move to Anfield in the summer on a long-term contract.

“Jacquet, who has five caps for France U21s, has made 18 appearances for Rennes in his country’s top flight so far this season.

“Overall, the centre-back has figured on 31 occasions for Rennes since making his debut in January 2024. He also gained Ligue 1 experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot.

“In 2024, Jacquet helped France to the final of the U19 European Championship, during which he was named in the Team of the Tournament.”

Jacquet will officially link up in Merseyside in the summer, where he is viewed as a long-term successor to Ibrahima Konate.

Konate is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen if he extends his five-year stay at the club.

Liverpool had been in the market to sign a new centre-back after missing out on Marc Guehi last summer, with the player subsequently joining Manchester City earlier in the winter window.

Jac the lad

talkSPORT understands that Liverpool have forked over an initial £55m to sign Jacquet, with a further £5m to be paid in potential add-ons.

Getty

He becomes Rennes’ record sale – eclipsing the £52m they received from Manchester City for winger Jeremy Doku in 2023.

Jacquet underwent a successful medical on Monday, and is now heading back to France to see out the season.

Chelsea had been heavily linked with a move to bring Jacquet to Stamford Bridge this window.

But the Blues wanted the youngster to be part of their first-team squad straight away, with Rennes adamant he must stay until the summer.

This allowed Liverpool to steal a march on their Premier League rivals, where they have allowed Jacquet to continue his development in Ligue 1 for the time being.

Rennes currently sit in sixth spot and are on course to secure their place in Europe for next season, while silverware is still on the cards in the form of the Coupe de France.

Jacquet has featured in 19 games in all competitions this campaign, and is on the cusp of a first call-up to Les Bleus’ senior side.

Getty