Arne Slot’s Liverpool have won the race for the signature of Chelsea and Manchester United defensive target Jeremy Jacquet.

Jeremy Jacquet will soon make the move to England, as giants Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £60 million with Stade Rennais to sign the 20-year-old defensive sensation, as per a report from BBC. While the Reds have managed to win the race, they did face a lot of competition for his signature.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United tried to hijack the deal in the final stages. However, they have failed to make any breakthrough. The player already had an agreement with the Reds, and since both clubs have agreed terms, the move will take place ahead of next season.

Jacquet has come up the ranks at Stade Rennais. He has had a sensational rise at the French club. He got promoted to their first team at the start of 2024. Following an impressive year-long loan spell at Clermont Foot, he finally got an extended run at his parent club.

The 20-year-old has only gone from strength to strength over the last 18 months and has established himself as one of the best young defenders. His performances have placed him on the radar of multiple top clubs. While his contract runs until the summer of 2029, Premier League clubs have been keen on prising him away.

Chelsea were quite keen on his signature, as they considered him an ideal fit for their project. With an injury crisis at the back, he could have been a valuable addition for the short as well as the long run. However, they have failed to beat Liverpool to his signature.

Liverpool win race for Jacquet

While they did hold talks to sign Jacquet, the Blues were not ready to match the Merseyside club’s bid. The Reds have agreed on a deal worth £60 million, and subject to a medical, the French youth international will be joining them in the summer.

They will be paying £55 million as a fixed fee plus £5 million in add-ons. With Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future uncertain, it certainly seems to be a smart move from Liverpool. Not only did they beat Chelsea to his signature, but Manchester United also tried to hijack the deal.

The Red Devils are also looking to freshen things up at the back, and a young defender like Jacque could have done wonders for them. While they did knock on the doors to try and snatch him away from Liverpool, things haven’t worked out.