Jeremy Jacquet in action for Rennes amid Liverpool transfer criticism
Liverpool have come under heavy criticism in France after agreeing to pay £60 million (€72m) for highly-rated young defender Jeremy Jacquet, with World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry branding the Premier League champions “suckers” for the deal.
The Reds beat Chelsea to the signature of the 20-year-old Rennes centre-back, confirming the transfer on deadline day of the January window, with Jacquet set to officially join Liverpool in the summer while remaining with Rennes for the rest of the season.
Jacquet, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot, is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in French football.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, the youngster said:
“I am honoured to sign for Liverpool, one of the greatest football institutions in the world. It was also very important for me to finish my adventure in red and black on a high note, at the club I grew up with and love deeply.”
Liverpool’s move surprised many in France, with Chelsea long expected to land the defender before the Reds stepped in with a lucrative offer Rennes could not refuse.
Former France striker and 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry was ruthless in his assessment of the deal, insisting English clubs are distorting the transfer market.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Dugarry said:
“This isn’t meant to offend the player. He’s not to blame at all. But when you have suckers like that, well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool for €72 million.”
Dugarry added that the transfer highlights how far modern football has drifted from financial sanity.
“This isn’t just a two-tier football system anymore. It’s football that has lost its mind. There is absolutely no justification for this amount.”
The former Bordeaux forward also warned that the size of the fee could place unnecessary pressure on Jacquet when he arrives at Anfield.
“Even for poor little Jacquet, this transfer will put enormous pressure on him. His performances will be judged differently, even though he doesn’t deserve that burden,” Dugarry said.
While Liverpool see Jacquet as a long-term investment for the future, criticism from France underlines the growing resentment toward Premier League spending power, as English clubs continue to outmuscle European rivals in the transfer market.
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