Journalist: Liverpool could consider move to sign 21-year-old defender | OneFootball

Liverpool accelerate defensive plans as Jeremy Jacquet leads shortlist

Liverpool are moving with purpose as they map out a summer rebuild at centre back, with Jeremy Jacquet emerging as the priority target and Joel Ordonez waiting in the wings. With Arne Slot settled into his role and a Premier League title already secured in 2024-25, the club are now focused on keeping standards high by refreshing key areas of the squad. Central defence has been identified as a pressing need, even if supporters were left frustrated by the lack of January movement.

Reports on Saturday indicated talks with Rennes over a deal for 20-year-old Jacquet, a player admired for his composure, pace and ability to play out from the back. Chelsea are also keen and are pushing to bring him to England this winter, although Rennes are understood to be holding firm on a summer exit. That stance suits Liverpool’s planning, but it also leaves them in a straight fight for the defender’s signature, with the odds currently close to even.

Jeremy Jacquet remains Liverpool priority

Liverpool’s recruitment department, led by Richard Hughes, have made Jacquet their number one option because of how well he fits Slot’s tactical blueprint. The manager wants defenders who are comfortable stepping into midfield and defending high up the pitch, and Jacquet ticks those boxes. There is a sense inside the club that this is a deal worth waiting for, even if Chelsea continue to press hard.

Photo: IMAGO

The risk, however, is that Jacquet could opt for a different project. Chelsea’s financial power and willingness to act quickly means Liverpool cannot rely on patience alone. That is why a parallel track has been kept open, allowing Hughes and his team to move decisively should the Rennes negotiations falter.

Joel Ordonez kept on Liverpool radar

That parallel track leads to Joel Ordonez. The Club Brugge centre back has been watched closely across the season, and the interest has never really cooled despite earlier suggestions that a January move was unlikely. Lewis Steele offered insight into how Liverpool view the Ecuadorian when speaking to The Redmen TV.

“The Ordonez one was parked, as you say. Parked, as in not completely shoved away, I got the impression,” said the reporter.

“It was more of a, ‘not one right now,’ but it wasn’t a, ‘he’s not one ever.’ It’s clear Liverpool have been at Club Brugge games to watch him, so that could be one to consider.

“But it looks like Jeremy Jacquet could be number one. He is one of the options but it appears that Chelsea are probably still the front-runners.”

Those words underline Liverpool’s method. They have not closed any doors, instead keeping Ordonez in a holding pattern so they can pivot quickly if needed. His Champions League experience and physical profile make him an attractive alternative, particularly if Brugge prove more flexible on timing and price.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot vision shapes Liverpool recruitment

Slot’s influence on recruitment has been clear since he arrived, and the pursuit of both Jeremy Jacquet and Joel Ordonez reflects a desire to build a back line that can dominate possession and defend aggressively. Liverpool want centre backs who are proactive, comfortable on the ball and tactically intelligent, allowing the team to sustain pressure and control matches.

That vision explains why the club are prepared to wait for the right player rather than settling for a short term fix. While fans would have welcomed a January signing, Liverpool believe their summer strategy will provide greater value and long term stability.

Summer window likely decisive

As things stand, Liverpool remain in active talks for Jacquet while keeping Ordonez firmly within reach. The coming months will determine which route they take, but the message from inside the club is clear, there will be investment in central defence and it will be targeted.

For Liverpool supporters, the hope is that one of these highly rated young defenders arrives to bolster a title winning squad. Whether it ends up being Jeremy Jacquet or Joel Ordonez, the club’s careful planning suggests they are ready to act when the moment comes.