Liverpool have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for a reported fee of up to £60 million, the club confirmed on Monday.

The 20-year-old, however, will not join Anfield until the end of the season, despite Liverpool’s pressing need for defensive reinforcements.

Jacquet had been linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this month but was reportedly deterred by the competition for centre-back positions in the Blues’ crowded squad. Liverpool, by contrast, are short on options at the back.

Captain Virgil van Dijk, 34, and Ibrahima Konaté, who is out of contract at the end of the season, are the only senior centre-backs currently available to manager Arne Slot, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined through injury.

The transfer agreement reportedly includes an initial £55 million fee, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons.

“Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance,” the club said in a statement.

“The 20-year-old will complete the remainder of the current campaign in Ligue 1 before moving to Anfield on a long-term contract.”

Jacquet has earned five caps for France U21s and has made 18 appearances for Rennes this season, bringing his total for the club to 31 since his debut in January 2024. He also gained Ligue 1 experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot.

In 2024, Jacquet helped France reach the final of the U19 European Championship, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament for his performances.