Van Dijk's Successor: Liverpool Shake the Market and Sign Jérémy Jacquet
In a strategic move aimed at securing the future of their defense for years to come, Liverpool FC successfully finalized one of the most important winter deals today, Monday, February 2, 2026, by signing young French defender Jérémy Jacquet from Stade Rennais. The deal, valued at €60 million, is not just a temporary fix but the announcement of a new defensive era at Anfield.
Behind the Scenes: How Liverpool Beat Europe's Elite
Liverpool's path to signing the 20-year-old French talent was not paved with roses. Our sources at FotScore confirm that clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea had been closely monitoring the player since his brilliance in the U21 European Championship. However, the insistence of Dutch manager Arne Slot and the sporting project presented by the Reds' sporting director were the decisive factors in convincing Jacquet to choose the red side of Merseyside.
The player successfully completed his medical examinations at the AXA Training Centre this morning and signed a long-term contract extending until the summer of 2031, reflecting the management's great confidence in his potential.
Why Jérémy Jacquet? (Technical Analysis)
Analysts believe Jacquet possesses the characteristics Liverpool has been searching for. Here are the highlights of the new French defender's profile:
Building Play from the Back: He boasts a passing accuracy of 92%, a key feature in Slot's style that relies on calm preparation.
Speed and Recovery: Unlike traditional defenders, Jacquet has the speed to cover the spaces behind a high defensive line.
Physical Strength in Aerial Duels: Standing over 188 cm tall, the player has shown great dominance in headers, both defensively and offensively.
How Will Liverpool's Defense Change?
Arne Slot is expected to gradually integrate Jacquet alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. Many see this duo as "ideal," where the young Frenchman can learn from the experience of the Dutch captain, paving the way for him to be the legitimate successor upon Van Dijk's eventual departure. His presence will allow the team to play a high line with more confidence.
Debut Date and Reactions
Liverpool fans expressed overwhelming joy across social media platforms, describing the deal as a "correction of last summer's transfer course." Jacquet is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming Premier League match, where fans will get their first look at the new "French Beast" at Anfield.
Player Profile:
Name: Jérémy Jacquet
Nationality: French
Age: 20 years
Market Value: €65 million
Previous Club: Stade Rennais
