Liverpool spotted Jérémy Jacquet while scouting Leny Yoro in 2024

Liverpool's interest in central defender Jérémy Jacquet has a longer history than many realized. The club's scouts first noted the Frenchman in their reports back in 2024, at a time when they were primarily monitoring Leny Yoro, who was then playing for Lille.

According to The Times, while the Merseyside club was scouting for potential center-back reinforcements, they received consistent recommendations from their contacts in France. Jacquet, who was playing for Rennes at the time, appeared in their scouting reports repeatedly during that process.

Since then, the 21-year-old defender has made significant strides, developing into one of France's most highly-rated young defensive prospects. In 2026, Liverpool eventually secured his signature from Rennes in a deal worth £60 million. Jacquet has since justified the club's faith, starting all five Premier League matches he has been available for this season.

The situation regarding their original target, Leny Yoro, concluded differently. After the defender rejected a move to Anfield in 2024, he ultimately joined Manchester United, prompting Liverpool to refocus their recruitment strategy elsewhere.