7M - Liverpool Intensify Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcements Amid Injury Crisis

Liverpool’s defensive woes have escalated ahead of their final Champions League group clash with Qarabag at Anfield, as both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are ruled out, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the sole senior centre-back available. Konate remains on compassionate leave following his father’s passing, while Gomez sustained a hip injury during Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth. Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a season-ending ACL rupture in September, further compounds the issue. 

With urgency mounting, Liverpool are prioritizing a summer centre-back acquisition after missing out on Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January. Rennes’ 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet has emerged as a target, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are locked in a high-stakes race to secure his signature. 

Romano detailed the evolving scenario on his YouTube channel: 
“Chelsea remain heavily involved in the pursuit of this talented French defender (Jeremy Jacquet) from Rennes, making it a fiercely contested battle. All three clubs—Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern—are actively engaged with the player’s camp and Rennes to gauge potential pathways. 

“Chelsea made significant strides two weeks ago on the personal terms front, with advanced discussions already underway regarding contract specifics. However, no formal agreement has been reached with Rennes yet. The French club is adamant about retaining Jacquet until the summer window, rejecting January departures. 

“Bayern’s interest is exclusively summer-focused, as they view Jacquet as a potential replacement for Kim Min-jae, who may exit in the 2025 transfer window. For Liverpool and Chelsea, an immediate January move is preferred, but Rennes remain firm: the player stays until summer. All three clubs continue negotiations with both Rennes and Jacquet’s representatives—this saga is far from settled.” 

The situation underscores Liverpool’s desperation to bolster their defensive depth, with rival bids from Chelsea and Bayern adding complexity. Rennes’ stance ensures the drama will unfold over the coming months, with Jacquet’s future hanging in the balance.