Former France World Cup champion Christophe Dugarry criticized Liverpool‘s recent acquisition of defender Jeremy Jacquet, questioning the club’s transfer decisions despite some support for the signing.
Completed late in the winter transfer window, this deal has quickly garnered attention for a young defender who won’t join Anfield until summer.
However, Dugarry’s remarks were largely about the perceived inflated value that clubs like Liverpool are willing to pay.
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Christophe Dugarry criticizes Liverpool for Jeremy Jacquet signing
On the RMC Sport podcast “Rothen s’enflamme,” Dugarry openly expressed his views, which quickly gained traction online.
“I’m not trying to offend the player, he has our support because he’s talented. But Liverpool paid £60m, making Rennes quite lucky,” Dugarry stated.
His comments reflect dissatisfaction with the high spending on a defender who has only recently started in senior football, having just over 50 appearances for Rennes prior to this deal.
Dugarry’s criticism extends beyond Jacquet’s price; it highlights a trend in the transfer market where young players command huge sums relative to their experience.
Was signing Jeremy Jacquet a mistake for Liverpool?
The transfer involves Liverpool agreeing to a deal with Rennes for about £60 million, including add-ons, with Jacquet set to remain on loan for the current season.
Rennes, viewing Jacquet as a key prospect, benefits from a fee that exceeds some recent club records, showcasing their talent development.
While critics like Dugarry acknowledge Jacquet’s potential, they argue that such a hefty price can place undue pressure on a 20-year-old with limited senior experience.
Supporters argue that Liverpool has been tracking Jacquet’s progress for months, and the fee reflects both his potential and the competitive transfer landscape where top clubs vie for emerging talents.
Chelsea also showed interest earlier in negotiations, but Jacquet’s preference for Liverpool became apparent, highlighting the club’s focus on long-term strategy rather than immediate needs.