£60m Bargain or Blunder? The great Jeremy Jacquet debate ignites Anfield
The reviews for Jeremy Jacquet following his £60 million transfer to Liverpool have been polarized, ranging from praise for his long-term potential to harsh criticism regarding the high fee and the timing of the deal.
Jacquet’s first match for Rennes after the transfer was made official has also added fuel to the debate. In a Coupe de France tie against Marseille, Jacquet was part of a defense that conceded in the opening two minutes.
The Critical View: "Suckers" and "Ridiculous"
The most vocal criticism has come from former France international and World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, who labeled Liverpool "suckers" for the £60 million ($82M) outlay.
Lack of Experience: Dugarry and other critics pointed out that Jacquet has made fewer than 60 senior appearances, suggesting the fee is "ridiculous" for a prospect of his age.
The "Van Dijk" Comparison: Critics have noted that the fee makes him Liverpool’s second most expensive defender of all time, just behind Virgil van Dijk, placing immense pressure on the 20-year-old before he even arrives.
Pundit Skepticism: Paul Merson expressed shock at the deal's structure, questioning why Liverpool would pay such a significant sum for a player who will not join the squad until the summer, especially given the club's current defensive injury crisis.
The Positive View: "Great Pedigree"
Conversely, many see the deal as a masterstroke of recruitment, beating out rivals like Chelsea for one of Europe's most promising talents.
Jamie Redknapp: The former Liverpool midfielder stated he "loves the signing," citing Jacquet's "great pedigree" and the fact that he was being tracked by several elite European clubs.
Tactical Fit: Scout reports highlight Jacquet as a "front-foot stopper" who is comfortable carrying the ball and playing progressive passes, often compared to Ibrahima Konaté but with more confidence in his long-range passing.
Strategic Win: Supporters of the move argue that acting now prevents a bidding war in the summer, securing a long-term successor for the defense.
