Liverpool Criticised Over £60m Jeremy Jacquet Signing

Liverpool’s £60m Jeremy Jacquet Transfer Sparks Controversy

Liverpool’s £60m Move for Jeremy Jacquet: A Bold Gamble

Liverpool’s £60m Jeremy Jacquet transfer has ignited fierce debate across the European football landscape. On the final day of the January transfer window, the Premier League champions announced the signing of 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Ligue 1 side Rennes. The Reds outbid Chelsea for Jacquet, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Ligue 2 outfit Clermont Foot, and arranged for him to finish the current campaign back with Rennes before making the move to Anfield this summer.

Why Liverpool Targeted Jacquet

Jacquet, regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in France, expressed immense pride in joining “one of the greatest football institutions in the world.” He pledged to give his all for Rennes during his remaining months, stating, “It was also very important for me to finish my adventure in red and black on a high note, at the club I grew up with, the club that is so close to my heart. I am approaching this second half of the season with the desire to experience some wonderful emotions with my teammates and the fans.”

Liverpool’s decision to invest heavily in Jacquet reflects their ongoing commitment to strengthening their defensive line with promising prospects. Manager Arne Slot, who recently added Giovanni Leoni—despite the Italian suffering an ACL injury—appears intent on building a backline for the future.

Criticism from France: “Ridiculous” Fee for a Youngster

Despite the excitement on Merseyside, Liverpool’s £60m Jeremy Jacquet move has drawn sharp criticism from key figures in France. World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, speaking to RMC Sport, branded Liverpool “suckers” for paying such a premium for an untested talent. Dugarry commented, “It isn’t meant to offend the player…he’s not to blame at all, and we wish him all the best because he’s a good player. When you have suckers like that, well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool for €72 million.”

Dugarry went further, questioning the sanity of the transfer market: “It’s football that’s lost its mind. There’s no justification for these amounts. Even for Jacquet, this transfer will bring a huge amount of pressure. He’s a very good player, but now his performances will always be judged in light of this price tag.”

Market Madness: English Clubs Under the Microscope

The Liverpool £60m Jeremy Jacquet transfer highlights an ongoing trend—English clubs flexing their financial muscle, often leaving the rest of Europe struggling to compete. Dugarry referenced Manchester United’s similarly hefty outlay for Leny Yoro, suggesting, “Let them continue… sending tens of millions of euros. This isn’t just a two-tiered football situation; it’s football that’s lost its mind.” He rejected claims that supply and demand could justify these fees, instead calling the situation “ridiculous.”

Liverpool’s Vision: Investing in the Future

For Liverpool, the signing of Jeremy Jacquet fits into a broader strategy of acquiring young, high-potential defenders. The club views Jacquet as a future star who can develop alongside established leaders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Van Dijk, captain and defensive anchor, continues to set the standard at Anfield, while Konate recently returned to the starting XI, scoring in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

Leoni’s unfortunate injury left a gap in Liverpool’s long-term defensive plans, making Jacquet’s arrival even more significant. Club officials believe that with the right nurturing and environment, Jacquet can become one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs in the coming years.

Pressure and Expectation: The Challenge for Jacquet

While Liverpool’s faith in Jacquet’s abilities is clear, the £60m price tag inevitably raises expectations. Every performance will be scrutinised, and any mistakes may be magnified under the spotlight. However, Liverpool’s track record with young talents is strong, and the club’s supportive atmosphere could help Jacquet manage the pressure and thrive.

Opinion: Calculated Risk or Market Folly?

There’s no denying that the Liverpool £60m Jeremy Jacquet deal is a major risk, especially for a player with limited top-flight experience. Critics like Dugarry make valid points about market inflation and the added pressure such sums bring. Yet, Liverpool’s willingness to act boldly in the transfer market has often paid dividends in the past. If Jacquet can live up to his potential and succeed at Anfield, the transfer could look like a bargain in hindsight. For more news on Liverpool’s transfer strategies and Premier League developments, visit for more news.