Liverpool's newly acquired defender, Jeremy Jacquet, suffered a serious shoulder injury on Saturday while playing for his current club, Rennes. The incident occurred just days after Liverpool confirmed a £60 million deal to bring the 20-year-old French talent to Anfield for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The injury raises concerns about his readiness for his highly anticipated arrival. ### Jacquet's Injury Blow Jacquet sustained the severe shoulder injury during Rennes' 3-1 loss to Ligue 1 leaders Lens on Saturday. He fell awkwardly during the match and appeared to be in significant pain. Medical staff escorted Jacquet off the pitch in the 69th minute. He visibly supported his left arm, even creating an improvised sling with his own shirt. Rennes coach Habib Beye later confirmed the injury, stating it was "quite serious" for the young defender. ^[1][2][3] The injury is a bitter blow for Jacquet. It happened only five days after he completed his medical examination for Liverpool. The Premier League club officially agreed to his summer move to the Reds shortly before the injury. Liverpool will now closely monitor Rennes' medical assessments and his recovery timeline. ^[2] ### The £60 Million Anfield Move Liverpool secured Jacquet's signature in a deal worth up to £60 million. The agreement includes a fixed fee of £55 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons. This^[4][5][6][7] makes him one of Liverpool's most expensive defensive acquisitions. The Reds beat out Premier League rivals Chelsea to sign the highly-rated center-back. Jac^[8][9][6][7]quet will remain with Rennes for the rest of the current season. He will officially join Arne Slot's squad at Anfield in July 2026. This^{[10][9][11][6][7]} arrangement allows him to continue his development in Ligue 1. It also helps Liverpool manage their financial outlays under profit and sustainability rules. The ^[12]club had a substantial spending spree last summer, committing over £450 million on new recruits. Delay^[12]ing Jacquet's transfer helps spread the cost into a new financial year. Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football journalist, confirmed the completion of all formal steps in the transfer. He stated that everything is signed between Liverpool, Rennes, and the player. The 2^[9]0-year-old signed a long-term contract, reportedly for five years with an option for a further year. ### ^[9]Liverpool's Defensive Strategy Liverpool's move for Jacquet reflects their long-term strategy for defensive reinforcements. The club aims to strengthen its backline for future seasons. Jacquet is seen as a crucial part of this plan. He could potentially become a long-term replacement for key defenders like Ibrahima Konate. Konat^[6][7]e's future at the club faces uncertainty as his contract enters its final months. The ^[6][7]Reds currently face defensive challenges, with several players sidelined due to injuries. Teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is out for the season with an ACL injury. Joe Gomez has also struggled with injuries. While^[8][3][7] Virgil van Dijk remains a cornerstone of the defense, his contract runs until 2027. Liverpool's management is planning for life beyond his tenure. Arne ^[13][7]Slot, Liverpool's boss, expressed confidence that van Dijk will see out his contract. Slot also acknowledged the club's forward-thinking approach to squad building. He stated, "this club is not only thinking about short-term but mid-long term future in the decisions we make". Jacq^[13]uet's signing shows Liverpool's commitment to securing top young talent. He was considered a target for his potential to become a world-class defender. His a^[14]bility to play at a high level at a young age attracted significant interest. He has featured 19 times in Ligue 1 this season for Rennes. He ha^[1]s made 31 appearances overall for Rennes since his debut in January 2024. He al^[11]so gained valuable experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot. Jacqu^[11]et has earned five caps for France's U21 side. He wa^[8][11]s also named in the Team of the Tournament during the U19 European Championship in 2024. ### ^[11]Impact and Recovery Outlook The exact nature and recovery timeline for Jacquet's shoulder injury are still unclear. Rennes coach Habib Beye indicated that further medical assessments are ongoing. A "se^[10]rious" shoulder injury can range from a dislocation to a fracture. These types of injuries often require several weeks or even months of recovery. For a professional athlete, rehabilitation is crucial to regain full strength and mobility. While the injury is concerning, some reports suggest a dislocated shoulder, though painful, might not be as detrimental to his long-term career as a lower body injury. Liver^[15][16]pool's medical team will work closely with Rennes to oversee his rehabilitation. The goal will be to ensure he makes a full recovery before his move to Anfield. The club will want him in peak condition when he officially joins in the summer. Rennes also faces immediate challenges due to Jacquet's injury. He has been a vital part of their team, missing only two league matches this season due to suspension. His a^[2]bsence will impact their performance in the remainder of the Ligue 1 campaign. Jacquet himself had expressed a strong desire to finish his time at his boyhood club on a high note. This^[2] injury presents an early test for Liverpool's new signing. The club will hope for a swift and complete recovery for their £60 million investment. His successful rehabilitation is key to him making an immediate impact when he finally arrives at Anfield.

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