Liverpool’s £60m move for Jacquet brings early rewards

Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has quickly become a regular starter after joining in a £60m deal, with his strong early-season displays helping justify the club’s decision to pursue him, BBC Sport reports.

The 21-year-old has started every Premier League and Champions League match since arriving at Anfield and has played 956 minutes this season, second among Liverpool players only to goalkeeper Alisson. He has also made 19 tackles, more than any of his team-mates, and ranks fourth in the Premier League for interceptions and blocks, according to the BBC.

Jacquet’s rise has come after an injury-disrupted year. He broke his shoulder in February and then had a knee problem in the summer, missing Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States. He made his debut in a friendly against Como, scoring at Anfield a week before the Premier League season began.

Liverpool’s need for a centre-back grew after Ibrahima Konaté left for Real Madrid. With Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni struggling with injuries, Jacquet was selected for the league match at Newcastle the following weekend. He has since impressed, including in Liverpool’s recent win over Brighton, which brought the club its fourth clean sheet of the season.

Liverpool had identified Jacquet while pursuing Leny Yoro in 2024. Yoro moved to Manchester United, while Liverpool stepped up their interest in Jacquet in January. Chelsea were also keen, but Jacquet chose Liverpool. The transfer was valued at £60m over the summer.

France coach Zinedine Zidane praised Jacquet’s performance against Italy earlier this month, calling him “very good” and “brave”. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said their partnership was improving through matches, training and conversations, adding: “He’s doing very well. Let’s see where the ceiling will be. I don’t think he’s there yet, so let’s keep going.”

BBC Sport notes that Jacquet’s adjustment has also been supported by playing alongside experienced defenders Van Dijk and Ronald Araújo. The early returns are encouraging for Liverpool, though Van Dijk’s assessment leaves room for the young defender to develop further.