Manchester United fail in Liverpool transfer hijack

Manchester United’s recruitment plans have been quietly gathering pace behind the scenes as the club prepares for another defining summer.

Defensive planning has become a growing priority, particularly with uncertainty around contracts, injuries and long-term succession.

INEOS’ new-look structure has placed greater emphasis on timing and decisiveness in the transfer market.

Missing out on key targets has previously proven costly, sharpening the focus on identifying elite talent early.

One highly rated centre-back now appears to have slipped through United’s fingers at the final moment.

Manchester United attempted a late hijack of a major defensive transfer but ultimately failed as Liverpool moved swiftly to secure their man.

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, via X, United explored the possibility of entering the race for Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet just hours before the player reached a full agreement to join Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old defender has been one of Ligue 1’s standout young performers this campaign and is set to complete a big-money move to Anfield after the current season concludes.

Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £60 million in total for the Frenchman, made up of a fixed £55 million fee plus a potential £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

Jeremy Jacquet is expected to undergo his medical on transfer deadline day, formally sealing Liverpool’s first confirmed piece of business of the year following a relatively quiet January window.

The move is viewed internally at Anfield as a potential long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate, whose contract situation has raised questions with his deal expiring at the end of the season.

Plettenberg reports that while United made a late attempt to disrupt the transfer, Jacquet already had an agreement in place with Liverpool, leaving little room for intervention from Old Trafford.

Chelsea were also admirers of the French defender and held talks during the winter window, but they were unable to match Liverpool’s financial package for a player considered one of the brightest defensive prospects in France.

Jacquet is a product of Rennes’ academy and has enjoyed a breakthrough season, featuring 18 times in Ligue 1 and starting every single league match he has been available for.

His consistency, physical profile and composure in possession have attracted attention across Europe, including from United, who continue to assess centre-back options ahead of expected changes in the squad.

While Liverpool have wrapped up their move early, United are expected to revisit the market in the summer as they look to reshape their defence under the new structure.