Liverpool have reportedly reached a pre-agreement with Rennes to sign defender Jérémy Jacquet for a fee of £55 million ($74 million), with potential add-ons worth an additional £5 million ($6.8 million). The 20-year-old is seen as a key player in Liverpool's defensive rebuild. Sources indicate that Chelsea had also agreed to a fee for Jacquet, but their decision to bring back center-back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and retain Josh Acheampong changed the dynamics. Jacquet prefers Liverpool's project as he expects more playing time. With defensive reinforcements needed, Liverpool faces uncertainty regarding the futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson, both out of contract in the summer. The club previously attempted to sign Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, but the deal fell through on deadline day. Guéhi, an England international, has since joined Manchester City. Liverpool also held talks for Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan at Sunderland, but the deal was not pursued due to Sunderland's inability to find a replacement. The team has suffered numerous defensive injuries this term, with key players like Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, currently sits in 6th place, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, but just two points behind Manchester United in fourth. The club's performance and future defensive needs will be crucial in the upcoming season.
