Liverpool’s £60m summer signing is now looking like an absolute bargain

Liverpool’s £60m summer signing is now looking like an absolute bargain Liverpool’s £60m Jeremy Jacquet deal is already looking like a masterstroke Real Madrid may be wondering whether they chose the wrong French defender this summer. Jeremy Jacquet’s first senior start for France provided another compelling reminder of why Liverpool were prepared to spend £60m to bring the 21-year-old centre-back from Rennes. In Monday evening’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Belgium, Jacquet looked entirely at home on the international stage, producing the sort of composed performance that will have delighted Liverpool supporters. It was only one game, and Belgium are still rebuilding after their World Cup quarter-final exit, but Jacquet’s performance added another significant piece of evidence to what is becoming an increasingly encouraging picture at Anfield. Jeremy Jacquet impresses on France duty Jacquet completed the full 90 minutes and finished the match with 67 accurate passes from 73 attempts, while also making seven defensive contributions and completing 10 passes into the final third. He won five of eight ground duels, claimed his only aerial duel, made four recoveries and produced two headed clearances. There were two occasions when he was dispossessed, while he committed just one foul. Photo: IMAGO Those numbers tell only part of the story. Jacquet looked assured in possession and comfortable dealing with the physical side of the contest, qualities Liverpool will need from him as his Premier League career develops. There will be sterner examinations ahead, particularly against elite opposition, but this was another useful step for a young defender who has made an impressive start to life in England. Liverpool have reasons to feel vindicated The summer picture looked considerably less comfortable for Liverpool. Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free transfer after previously suggesting that he and Liverpool were “close to an agreement” over a new contract. At the time, losing an established France international while bringing in a 21-year-old from Rennes represented a significant gamble. Liverpool suddenly had Virgil van Dijk, now 35, Joe Gomez, whose availability has been a recurring concern, the incoming Jacquet, who subsequently suffered an injury, and long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni as their senior centre-back options. On paper, there was depth. In practical terms, there were plenty of questions. Real Madrid’s Konate gamble faces scrutiny Several months on, the situation looks rather different. Jacquet is flourishing alongside Van Dijk, while Ronald Araujo’s arrival on loan has provided additional defensive cover. Liverpool can also look forward to Leoni returning once he has recovered fully. That leaves Liverpool with a defensive group that could look significantly stronger as the 2026/27 campaign progresses. In Madrid, meanwhile, Konate’s start has been complicated by injury. He has been diagnosed with a leg injury, while his performances before the setback have reportedly been inconsistent, including a difficult outing against Elche. New signings deserve time, particularly at a club with Real Madrid’s demands. The same applies to Jacquet, despite the early excitement surrounding his performances. For Liverpool, though, Monday night offered another reason to believe their £60m investment in a young French centre-back could prove extremely significant.