LIVERPOOL have agreed a £60million deal with Rennes for the signing of French wonderkid defender Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old centre half was a target for Chelsea this window, and was thought to prefer a move to London over Anfield.
Instead though, Chelsea have chosen to put faith in their existing talented defenders, including Mamadou Sarr, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Aaron Anselmino.
Those names are all aged 22 or younger, and rated as some of the best young talents in the world – something Chelsea like to stockpile.
Finances were no issue for Chelsea in the move for the player who would have joined in the summer regardless of what team he joined.
His move to Liverpool is a total package of £60m, made up by £55m up front with £5m in add-ons.
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That makes Jacquet Rennes’ most expensive ever sale, eclipsing the £55.5m paid by Man City for Jeremy Doku in August 2023.
Chelsea will recall Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg as defensive cover, with the already recalled Aaron Anselmino set to replace Sarr in Eastern France.
The Blues’ decision to recall Anselmino came as a surprise at the time, and left Borussia Dortmund furious, but Chelsea chiefs were not happy with how bosses in Germany had spoken about buying the player on loan there.
If not recalled, the Blues may have faced a similar situation to what the experienced with Thibaut Courtois and Madrid.
Sarr is expected in London today.
The AFCON champion has a great relationship with Liam Rosenior, who described the centre-back as being like a son to the Chelsea head coach.
Rosenior said last season: “His temperament, athleticism, and ability on the ball mean he has everything needed to be a world-class centre-half.”
“I could talk about him for hours. His nickname is Mamadou Rosenior, he’s my son.
“It’s scary to show such performances at 19 with such calm in the face of such strong teams. He just has to stay humble and calm but he will be a top player for sure!”
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