Liverpool officially sign £55m defender linked to Manchester United

Liverpool are wasting no time in shaping the next phase of their squad rebuild, with defensive reinforcements clearly high on the agenda as the season edges towards its decisive stretch.

Contract situations and future planning are all being carefully balanced behind the scenes at Anfield.

While much of the recent focus has been on attacking depth and midfield evolution, it is the back line that has quietly become a priority.

Rivals have been circling too, sensing an opportunity to disrupt Liverpool’s plans late in the window.

Liverpool have now completed the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, as confirmed on their website, finalising a deal that had been months in the making and fending off a dramatic late push from Manchester United in the process.

Taking to their official club website, Liverpool announced: “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.”

The statement continued: “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.”

The 20-year-old Frenchman will officially join the Reds after the season, with Liverpool agreeing a deal worth £55 million plus a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons (£60 million in total).

Crucially for Liverpool, the move was nearly disrupted at the eleventh hour.

Manchester United made a last-ditch attempt to hijack the transfer just hours before Jacquet finalised his agreement with Liverpool.

The Old Trafford side explored whether they could muscle their way into the deal, but the defender already had a firm commitment in place with the Merseyside club.

Chelsea had also been monitoring Jeremy Jacquet earlier in the window and held discussions with his representatives, yet they were unable to match Liverpool’s financial package or long-term sporting project.

By the time United entered the picture, the framework of the deal was already agreed.

Jacquet’s arrival could prove pivotal for Liverpool’s defensive future.

With Ibrahima Konate’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounding long-term options at centre-back, the French youngster is viewed as both immediate depth and a potential cornerstone for years to come.

The Rennes academy graduate has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, starting every single match and quickly establishing himself as one of the most reliable young defenders in France.

Liverpool have moved decisively where others hesitated, ensuring Jacquet’s future lies at Anfield despite late noise from rivals.