As of February 3, 2026, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool have secured the signing of 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth €70 million (£60m), including add-ons. The “Here We Go” specialist reports that Jacquet will officially join the Reds in June 2026, serving as a direct replacement for Ibrahima Konaté, who is set to depart on a free transfer this summer. Despite a frantic January deadline day where a move for Lutsharel Geertruida collapsed, Liverpool prioritized long-term stability by securing Jacquet ahead of rivals Chelsea.
Jeremy Jacquet: The €70m “Here We Go”
Fabrizio Romano officially gave the “Here We Go” for Jeremy Jacquet on February 1, 2026, confirming a total package of €60 million guaranteed plus €10 million in performance-related add-ons. The Rennes starlet underwent his medical in London during the final hours of the winter window, signing a long-term contract that keeps him at Anfield until June 2031. This move is a strategic “pre-emptive strike” by Liverpool to ensure their defensive line remains elite following the inevitable exit of senior personnel.
The signing is particularly significant because Liverpool beat Chelsea to the player’s signature without offering a higher salary package. According to Romano, the decisive factor was the “long-term project” presented by Richard Hughes, which guarantees Jacquet immediate first-team involvement starting in the 2026/27 pre-season. While he will remain at Rennes on loan for the remainder of the current campaign, he is already being touted internally as the “next Virgil van Dijk” due to his 6’4″ frame and ball-playing composure.
The Lutsharel Geertruida Deadline Drama
On the final day of the January 2026 window, Liverpool engaged in high-stakes negotiations with Sunderland for the versatile Lutsharel Geertruida, but the deal ultimately collapsed. Fabrizio Romano reported that while personal terms were not an issue, Sunderland refused to sanction a mid-season exit for a player who has been instrumental in their Premier League survival bid. Liverpool had explored a loan-to-buy arrangement, but the Black Cats’ valuation of £45 million proved to be a bridge too far for a winter acquisition.
The failure to land Geertruida has left some fans concerned about the club’s current depth at right-back, especially with injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. However, internal sources suggest that Arne Slot preferred to wait for his primary targets rather than “panic buy” a secondary option. The club will likely revisit the Geertruida situation in the summer if Sunderland’s stance softens following the conclusion of the domestic season.
Ibrahima Konaté’s Contract Impasse
The most pressing outgoing story at Anfield remains the future of Ibrahima Konaté, who is now into the final months of his contract. Romano has highlighted that despite multiple offers from Liverpool to extend his stay, no agreement has been reached, making a free-agent exit in June 2026 almost certain. This contract standoff was the primary driver behind the club’s aggressive and successful pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet.
Losing a player of Konaté’s caliber for free is a rare financial blow for the FSG era, but the club has prioritized tactical evolution over a protracted wage battle. Interest from Paris Saint-Germain and several top-tier Italian clubs is already high, with Konaté now free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams. Liverpool’s recruitment team is now focusing entirely on the transition period between the departing Frenchman and the incoming Jacquet.
The €440m Summer Legacy
Liverpool’s current transfer strategy is heavily influenced by their massive £446 million expenditure in the summer of 2025, which saw the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Fabrizio Romano has noted that while the club remains active, the “mega-spend” era has temporarily cooled to satisfy Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The winter window of 2026 was largely about “tidying up” the squad and securing future talent like Austrian youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
The integration of players like Hugo Ekitike, who arrived for £69 million, has been the primary focus for Arne Slot during the 2025/26 campaign. Romano suggests that the club’s hierarchy is satisfied with the core of the squad that won the 2024/25 Premier League title. Any future big-money moves will be strictly dependent on departures or identified “generational talents” that fit the specific data-driven profile used by Matt Newberry and his scouting team.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe: The Future Pillar
In early January 2026, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool had “everything agreed” for the signing of 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. The 6’5″ center-back, who was also tracked by several Bundesliga giants, will move to Merseyside in the summer of 2026 upon turning 18. Romano described the deal as a “huge coup” for Liverpool’s academy, as the player is already captaining national youth levels and playing reserve-team football in Austria.
Ndukwe represents the “global talent” scouting strategy implemented by Richard Hughes, focusing on securing elite prospects before their market value triples. He is expected to join the Under-21 development squad initially but will participate in the 2026 pre-season tour with the first team. His arrival, alongside Jacquet, signals a complete overhaul of Liverpool’s defensive pipeline for the next decade.
Practical Information and Planning
For supporters following transfer news, it is essential to understand the “Romano Pipeline.” Fabrizio Romano typically breaks news across three stages: the initial interest/contact, the “talks advancing” stage, and the final “Here We Go” confirmation. Monitoring his social media channels between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM GMT is often the best way to catch breaking Liverpool updates during active windows.
- Next Transfer Window: Opens June 10, 2026 (expected).
- Key Contract Dates: June 30, 2026 (Ibrahima Konaté contract expiry).
- Pre-Season Start: Early July 2026, featuring new signings Jacquet and Ndukwe.
- Ticketing for New Arrivals: Membership-based sales typically occur in July for the new season.
- Liverpool Store Updates: New jerseys with 2026/27 squad numbers usually launch in late May.
Defensive Restructuring Under Arne Slot
Arne Slot’s tactical shift requires defenders who are not just physically dominant but exceptionally comfortable under high pressure. This requirement led the club to move away from traditional “stoppers” and toward the hybrid profiles of Jacquet and Geertruida. Romano has consistently reported that Slot has a “major say” in recruitment, ensuring that every new arrival fits the technical “restyling” of the backline.
The current injury crisis, which has sidelined Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni, has forced Slot to be creative with his existing roster. While fans clamored for a right-back signing in January, Romano clarified that Liverpool refused to pay “over the odds” for short-term fixes like Denzel Dumfries. The club’s philosophy remains: if the primary target isn’t available, they will rely on internal solutions like Calvin Ramsay or academy products until the right deal manifests.
The Wirtz and Isak Impact
Since their record-breaking moves last summer, Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Alexander Isak (£125m) have been under intense scrutiny from the Anfield faithful. Fabrizio Romano has provided occasional “behind the scenes” updates, noting that both players are fully committed to the project despite a slow start to the 2025/26 season. The club views these players as the “long-term spine” of the post-Salah era, and there is no intention of entertaining offers for either player in 2026.
Isak’s recent long-term injury has been a blow, but Romano reports that the medical staff is optimistic about a full recovery for the 2026 pre-season. Meanwhile, Wirtz continues to be the creative hub of the team, with his market value already estimated to have exceeded the initial fee paid to Leverkusen. Liverpool’s ability to retain such high-caliber talent without the lure of massive wage increases remains a testament to their sporting project.
Scouting Jeremy Jacquet: The New Pillar
Jeremy Jacquet’s arrival is not merely a personnel change; it is a tactical necessity. Fabrizio Romano’s reports emphasize that Liverpool’s recruitment team spent 18 months tracking Jacquet’s “progressive pass completion” and “aerial duel success rate” at Rennes.
Statistically, Jacquet averages 4.8 interceptions per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 1% of Ligue 1 defenders. His ability to act as a “sweeper-keeper’s shield” allows Alisson Becker to maintain a higher starting position, a fundamental requirement for Slot’s 2026 tactical setup.
The Midfield Engine: Beyond 2026
While the winter window focused on the backline, Romano has hinted that Liverpool are “closely monitoring” the situation of Sverre Nypan at Rosenborg. The 19-year-old Norwegian is viewed as the natural successor to Dominik Szoboszlai’s high-intensity role.
The club’s strategy involves securing “first-refusal” agreements for elite teenagers before they reach the €100m valuation bracket. By utilizing a network of scouts across Scandinavia and South America, Richard Hughes is attempting to replicate the success of the Julian Alvarez or Moises Caicedo models—buying talent directly from the source.
2026 Summer Roadmap: Key Targets
According to the latest “Daily Here We Go” briefings, Liverpool have identified three primary areas for reinforcement once the June 2026 window opens.
- Right-Back Depth: Re-opening talks with Sunderland for Lutsharel Geertruida or exploring Michael Kayode from Fiorentina.
- Holding Midfielder: Identifying a specialist “Number 6” to provide rotation for Alexis Mac Allister.
- Wide Forward: Preparing a contingency plan should there be any movement regarding the senior attacking duo of Salah or Díaz.
Technical Analysis of the “FSG 2.0” Model
The transfer philosophy in 2026 has shifted from the “Moneyball” era of 2016 toward a “Hybrid-Value” model. This involves spending record sums on proven world-class talent (Wirtz, Isak) while simultaneously funding aggressive youth recruitment (Jacquet, Ndukwe).
This dual-track approach ensures that the squad age remains balanced. By selling peripheral players like Sepp van den Berg and Tyler Morton for significant profit, the club generates the “internal capital” required to satisfy PSR requirements without needing massive external injections from the owners.
FAQs
Is the Lutsharel Geertruida deal completely dead?
No, Fabrizio Romano has clarified that the deal only collapsed due to Sunderland’s mid-season stance. It remains a “warm lead” for the summer 2026 window.
How will Jeremy Jacquet fit into the starting XI?
He is expected to compete directly with Jarell Quansah for the right-sided center-back spot, assuming Virgil van Dijk remains the left-sided anchor.
What is Liverpool’s remaining transfer budget for 2026?
While exact figures are private, experts suggest a “net spend” allowance of approximately £120 million for the summer, bolstered by expected outgoings.
Are there any updates on the “Next Mo Salah”?
Liverpool are reportedly tracking Johan Bakayoko and Estêvão Willian, though no formal “Here We Go” has been issued for an attacker yet.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold sign a new contract?
Romano confirms that negotiations are “positive and ongoing.” The club is confident of securing their vice-captain to a long-term deal before the 2026/27 season begins.
Why did Liverpool wait until 2026 to sign a Konaté replacement?
The club preferred to wait for Jeremy Jacquet’s development rather than settling for a “tier 2” defender in 2025.
Who is the head of recruitment now?
Richard Hughes leads the department, working in tandem with Michael Edwards (FSG CEO of Football) and head scout Barry Hunter.
Is Liverpool interested in Jamal Musiala?
While Musiala is a “dream target,” Romano notes that Bayern Munich’s €180m valuation makes a 2026 move highly unlikely for the Reds.
How many players will leave Liverpool in June 2026?
At least four: Ibrahima Konaté (end of contract), and potentially three fringe players currently out on loan.
What is the status of the Alisson Becker exit rumors?
Despite interest from the Saudi Pro League, Alisson is reportedly happy at Anfield and under contract, with no plans to sell in 2026.
Who is Liverpool’s biggest signing for 2026?
Jeremy Jacquet is the most significant signing confirmed for 2026. Liverpool agreed to a €70 million package with Rennes to bring the French defender to Anfield in June.
Is Ibrahima Konaté leaving Liverpool?
Yes, according to Fabrizio Romano, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in June 2026. No extension agreement has been reached despite months of negotiations.
Did Liverpool sign anyone on the January 2026 deadline day?
No immediate first-team additions were made on deadline day. The club focused on finalizing the Jeremy Jacquet deal for the summer and missed out on Lutsharel Geertruida after Sunderland blocked the move.
What is the “Here We Go” status for Jeremy Jacquet?
Fabrizio Romano issued the “Here We Go” for Jacquet on February 1, 2026. The deal is fully agreed, including a €60m base fee and a contract until 2031.
Who is Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is a 17-year-old Austrian defender signed from Austria Vienna. He will join Liverpool’s squad in the summer of 2026 to bolster the academy and first-team defensive depth.
Will Liverpool sign a new right-back in 2026?
While they missed out on Geertruida in January, Fabrizio Romano suggests Liverpool will prioritize a right-back in the summer 2026 window. Denzel Dumfries was discussed but no formal bid was launched.
How much did Jeremy Jacquet cost?
The total transfer package is €70 million. This consists of a €60 million guaranteed payment to Rennes and €10 million in various performance-related add-ons.
Why did the Lutsharel Geertruida move fail?
The move failed because Sunderland refused to sell a key player mid-season. Despite Liverpool’s late interest, the clubs could not agree on a valuation or a loan structure before the deadline.
Is Florian Wirtz staying at Liverpool?
Yes, Florian Wirtz remains a central part of Liverpool’s plans. Despite rumors of interest from Spain, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he is not for sale and is happy at Anfield.
What is Arne Slot’s role in transfers?
Arne Slot works closely with Richard Hughes to identify players who fit his technical, high-pressing system. He has veto power over signings and played a key role in convincing Jacquet to choose Liverpool over Chelsea.
Will Liverpool sign a replacement for Mo Salah in 2026?
While no immediate move is imminent, Romano has hinted that Liverpool are constantly scouting long-term heirs to Salah. However, the current focus remains on defensive reinforcements.
What happened to the Dayot Upamecano rumors?
Fabrizio Romano reported that Dayot Upamecano will sign a new contract with Bayern Munich. He will not be joining Liverpool, ending months of speculation about a free-agent move.
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