Liverpool to confirm Jeremy Jacquet transfer and lose four stars | Football | Sport

Liverpool’s January transfer window saw them verbally agree to pay £60million for Jeremy Jacquet, though the player won’t arrive at the club until the summer. For roughly a week, it appeared the highly-regarded French defender was destined for Chelsea if he moved anywhere. Yet Liverpool have pounced at the eleventh hour amid ongoing speculation about strengthening their defensive ranks.

This follows just months after they shattered the British transfer record twice – first securing Florian Wirtz and subsequently Alexander Isak. They did however fail to land Marc Guehi during the latter stages of the summer window, with expectations they would return for the England defender.

Instead, they’ve been left disappointed as the centre-back has opted for Manchester City – which may have spurred their chase for Jacquet. The club’s defensive setup has numerous variables and could face a complete overhaul in the coming seasons.

Ibrahima Konate’s contract expires this summer whilst Joe Gomez is being linked with a departure. Injury problems have contributed to their defence lacking consistency.

Express Sport examines the developments at Anfield.

Liverpool have agreed to pay a guaranteed fee of £55m plus a potential £5m in performance-related add-ons for Jacquet. Chelsea had been presented with the identical offer but the player has chosen Anfield over Stamford Bridge.

It’s believed he felt greater playing opportunities would be available at the Reds. At the time of writing, the deal has yet to be officially confirmed, though a medical was completed on Monday.

Another defender, Mor Talla Ndiaye, a relatively unknown name, arrived from Amitie in a £1m deal. With injuries affecting several players, including the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, there had been speculation that they would strengthen their full-back options, but no such signings materialised.

There has been little movement in terms of departures, particularly amongst key players. Over the weekend, Dominik Szoboszlai admitted his contract negotiations haven’t progressed as hoped, though there’s no indication he will be departing Anfield.

He said: “It’s not in my hands. There is no progression but if the right offer comes then let’s see.”

Andy Robertson has been a mainstay at Anfield but was strongly linked with Tottenham, although the left-back opted to stay put with his future expected to be discussed again in the summer.

James Norris, the 22 year old, has departed permanently to join Shelbourne for an undisclosed sum. The club has also sent three younger players out on loan for the rest of the season, dropping down into the Football League.

Luke Chambers and Lewis Koumas have both moved to the Championship, signing for Charlton and Birmingham respectively. Calum Scanlon, the defender, has joined League One leaders Cardiff City, who look set for promotion back to the Championship.