Real Madrid closely tracking 20-year-old Ligue 1 defensive talent – report | OneFootball

Journalist Matteo Moretto (h/t Madrid Xtra) has revealed that Real Madrid have started to monitor one of the most exciting young centre-backs emerging in Europe – Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes. 

The 20-year-old defender has rapidly gained attention across the continent, and his name has now been added to the list of players being studied by the Madrid hierarchy as they prepare for a major rebuild in the heart of their defence.

Real Madrid’s situation at centre-back is becoming increasingly delicate. Both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are approaching the final stages of their contracts, and all indications suggest the club will not extend either deal. 

Added to this is the continued misfortune of Eder Militao. 

Having already suffered long-term injuries in successive seasons, the Brazilian is once again sidelined, this time for four months, leaving Xabi Alonso with a dangerously thin defensive line.

Real Madrid need a new defender

Looking ahead to next season, the scenario becomes even more pressing. 

Jeremy Jacquet is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Picture courtesy: Instagram/@j.jacquet97)

If Alaba and Rudiger depart as expected and Militao remains unpredictable in terms of fitness, Real Madrid could enter the campaign with only Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen as fit senior centre-backs. 

For a club competing for titles every season, such a shortage is unthinkable, and it explains why the scouting department has been working aggressively to identify the next generation of defensive leaders.

Marc Guehi, Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate have all been linked in recent weeks, each offering a different profile suited to Madrid’s long-term planning. 

However, Jeremy Jacquet has now become one of the standout names under consideration. 

Tall, calm on the ball, and possessing strong anticipation for his age, Jacquet has already caught the eye of several top clubs.

Liverpool, in fact, are believed to have taken an even stronger early interest. 

Reports indicate that the Premier League side view Jacquet as their No. 1 target should Ibrahima Konate leave the club. 

Konate himself is in the final year of his contract and has been consistently linked with a move to Real Madrid – a development that could trigger a domino effect across Europe’s defensive market.