Updated: 1 Jul 2026 16:50 BST |
5 min read
Make us your Google favourite
Liverpool have formally unveiled January signing Jeremy Jacquet as they brace themselves for interest in club captain Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds stunned Chelsea during the winter window when they swooped in for the 20-year-old. Jacquet had been in talks with Chelsea for weeks, but the deal collapsed because they wanted to sign him immediately.
Liverpool, on the other hand, were prepared to let the centre-back stay at Stade Rennais for the remainder of the season. This allowed them to finalise a €63.6 million deal for Jacquet, who is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in European football.
Unfortunately, fans of the Anfield club were not able to get a glimpse of his talents after he put pen to paper because he suffered a serious shoulder injury shortly after signing. As a result, he missed the second half of Rennes’ season.
Jacquet is now back fit again and ready for pre-season under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola. He has now been officially presented by the club after signing a five-year deal with the option for a further season.
Jacquet excited about Van Dijk link-up
Speaking after his unveiling, Jacquet said: “It’s a legendary club, and the football philosophy and project really appealed to me. My family and I believe we have made the right choice and we feel really happy here.”
He added when asked about his playstyle: “I’m quite an athletic player and it is often said that I’m pretty quick, despite being so tall. As for the qualities I can offer, I think I’m decent playing out from the back and I’m fairly calm and composed on the pitch.”
We have completed the signing of defender Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais on a long-term contract, subject to international clearance 👌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 1, 2026
Jacquet is excited to “absorb” as much information as possible from club captain Virgil van Dijk. The 20-year-old is believed to be the long-term heir to the Netherlands international.
“Of course, I’m really excited to line up alongside a great player like him. I think he’s up there with the best centre-backs in the world currently, so I can only learn from him,” Jacquet explained.
“I don’t like using the word ‘idol’, not even for the best players I admire. But naturally, he’s a player I look up to. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of the best centre-backs and if I want to reach the very top I’ve got to absorb as much as I can from him, obviously.”
Liverpool face Van Dijk threat
Whether Jacquet will actually get to play alongside Van Dijk remains to be seen, however. That’s because the 34-year-old has become a “dream target” for AC Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Rossoneri are going big in the market this summer after a disastrous end to the season, which saw them drop out of the Champions League places on the final day of the campaign and resulted in the sacking of the entire sporting leadership.
Milan bosses are backing new head coach Ruben Amorim, with the Serie A giants confirming the club-record-shattering €74m signing of PSG striker Goncalo Ramos on Monday.
They have now set their sights on Van Dijk, though it is acknowledged that it would be a difficult transfer to pull off. The legendary defender turned down a move to Chelsea last year and instead signed a new deal at Anfield until 2027.
The acquisition of the centre-back, who turns 35 next week, has been requested by senior Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Owner Gerry Cardinale is exploring whether a deal for the Dutchman is feasible.
Milan believe that agreeing a fee with Liverpool wouldn’t be an issue. It’s more a case of getting Van Dijk to agree to make the move, given his long-standing association with the Reds, Milan’s salary limitations and the fact that they won’t be in the Champions League next season.
Van Dijk would be the “emotional leader” Milan have been crying out for for years. However, a deal is currently believed to be improbable, with the Rossoneri more likely to secure the signing of a younger option, such as Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
Related stories:
Build The FIFA World Cup 2026™: LEGO© releases stunning football-inspired collection
Transfer Rumours: Alessandro Bastoni deal ‘in motion’ as Chelsea bid lands
Premier League summer transfers 2026: All the Done Deals
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
