Liverpool pin defensive hopes on Jacquet's £60m talent

Jacquet was originally signed as a long-term prospect to eventually partner Virgil van Dijk and Giovanni Leoni, but injury disruptions have thrust the 21-year-old into immediate contention. Ibrahima Konate departed on a free transfer in the summer, while teenager Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his Reds debut in September. Joe Gomez's pre-season injury setback has further opened the door.

The French centre-back agreed to join Liverpool in February after turning down Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He comes from Rennes' academy—a production line for top talent—and his £60m fee makes him the fourth-most expensive defender aged 21 or under in football history.

Jacquet carries a shoulder problem that cut short his final Rennes campaign, which also delayed his initial debut against Leeds. Head coach Andoni Iraola has preferred caution, but appears eager for him to feature before the Newcastle trip on 23 August.

Liverpool's defensive frailties demand urgent remedy. Last season they conceded 53 goals—their worst 38-game Premier League tally—and a damning 20 from set-pieces. A recent collapse against Leeds saw four goals in 25 second-half minutes, including two from long throws.

It is a heavy burden for a player with fewer than 100 senior appearances, according to Sky Sports. Yet the confidence in Jacquet's potential is evident: his transfer price reflects genuine belief he can help solve Liverpool's back-line crisis.