Liverpool join race with Arsenal for rising Ligue 1 centre back | OneFootball

Liverpool Tracking Emerging Ligue 1 Talent Amid Growing Premier League Interest

Jacquet’s Rise Sparks Premier League Scramble

Liverpool have joined the growing list of Premier League clubs monitoring highly rated French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old Stade Rennais defender has become the subject of serious interest, with Arsenal already making an approach and Newcastle United also expressing admiration for his potential.

Photo IMAGO

TBR Football reports that Jacquet’s composed displays in Ligue 1 have made him one of the most closely watched young defenders in France. Although he has made only 12 first-team appearances, his profile is already drawing comparisons with Arsenal’s William Saliba, not least because of their shared roots in Bondy and a similarly mature style of play on the ball.

Photo: IMAGO

Rennes are reportedly unwilling to sell at this stage of the window, particularly in light of Arsenal’s initial move. However, with Jacquet currently assessing his future alongside his representatives, interested clubs have not been discouraged.

Development and Physical Resilience

Jacquet’s journey has not been without challenges. He overcame a serious knee injury early in his career but has bounced back impressively, showing durability and growth since making his debut.

His former coach Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau was quick to highlight the defender’s all-round ability, even during his reserve team days: “He’s a complete player, who still has a lot of room for improvement.”

Bourdeau added that Jacquet “progressed enormously in the N2 championship, particularly in terms of maturity” and praised his “real defensive spirit”, noting his ability to “play well on the rebound”.

There’s a strong sense at Rennes that Jacquet is just scratching the surface of his potential. His poise, positioning and ability to read the game have stood out in his brief first-team stint, making him an ideal project signing for top-level English clubs.

Liverpool’s Potential Strategy

While Newcastle reportedly seek an immediate first-team centre-back, Liverpool’s approach may be more long-term. A deal that includes an immediate loan back to Rennes could be a viable compromise. It’s a route Arsenal have taken before, notably with Saliba, who didn’t make his Gunners debut until 2022 after signing in 2019 and spending multiple seasons back in France.

This strategy would allow Jacquet to continue his development in familiar surroundings, while the purchasing club secures a player of significant upside before his valuation climbs further.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool’s interest in Jacquet should also be viewed in the context of their evolving defensive unit. With Joe Gomez injured and Ibrahima Konaté’s injury history a persistent concern, identifying long-term successors is clearly a priority.

Photo: IMAGO

Patience May Prove Crucial

TBR Football’s reporting suggests Rennes may prefer Jacquet to remain for another season, advising the player to take stock in 2026. But in football, timing is everything. Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal are rarely content to sit idle if they sense a competitive advantage to be gained now.

It remains to be seen whether Rennes hold firm or whether one of the Premier League suitors makes an offer too tempting to ignore. Either way, Liverpool’s presence in this race confirms that Jacquet’s profile is firmly on the radar at the highest level.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Performance Data Highlights Key Strengths

In an era where numbers increasingly shape narrative, Jeremy Jacquet’s profile leaps from the data. As visualised by FBref via FBCharts, the Stade Rennais defender shows standout qualities that place him among Europe’s most intriguing young centre-backs.

The graphic captures percentile rankings across key metrics, comparing Jacquet to his centre-back peers over the past 365 days. For a player with only 927 senior minutes, his attacking contributions are nothing short of remarkable.

He ranks in the 98th percentile for expected goals and assists (xG + xAG), with similarly elite figures for assists (97th), expected assisted goals (94th), and non-penalty xG (89th). These are not statistics typical of a centre-back and point to a player capable of influencing games in ways that extend far beyond basic defending.

Ball Progression and Possession Prowess

Jacquet’s effectiveness in possession also deserves attention. He lands in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons and the 72nd for touches, reflecting confidence on the ball and composure in build-up play.

His numbers for progressive passes received (70th) and progressive carries (66th) reinforce a profile tailored to modern football, where centre-backs must contribute to territorial advancement and resist high pressing.

Defensive Output Reflects Aggression and Timing

On the defensive front, Jacquet’s tackling and interception numbers are exceptional. He sits in the 99th percentile for combined tackles and interceptions, showcasing positional awareness and anticipation. Blocks (74th) and aerials won (46th) indicate areas for further development, though his low percentile for clearances (12th) reflects Rennes’ emphasis on building rather than clearing.

Ultimately, Jacquet’s stats illustrate a defender with rare balance. The data suggests an emerging talent who, with further minutes, could shape the next generation of ball-playing centre-backs.