Stade Rennais have officially confirmed that highly-rated young defender Jeremy Jacquet is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder.
The news effectively ends the 20-year-old’s season in France, meaning he has likely played his final game for the Ligue 1 club before his high-profile move to Liverpool this summer.
The injury occurred on February 7 during a clash against RC Lens, where Jacquet landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge. While Rennes initially hoped for a conservative recovery, a series of inconclusive “pain tests” over the last week forced the medical staff to opt for surgical intervention to ensure long-term stability.
Liverpool Watching Closely
The news has caused a stir on Merseyside. Liverpool secured Jacquet’s signature in the final days of the January window for a package worth roughly £60 million (€72m).
The agreement allowed the French U21 international to stay at Rennes on loan for the remainder of the season to continue his development, but those plans have been derailed by the surgical requirement.
Reports from the Liverpool Echo and Ouest-France indicate that while Liverpool’s medical staff are “closely monitoring” the situation and are in constant contact with their counterparts in France, they did not influence the decision to proceed with surgery. The Reds’ priority is ensuring Jacquet is fully fit and ready for the start of Arne Slot’s 2026/27 pre-season camp on July 1.
A Blow for Rennes
For Rennes, losing Jacquet is a massive sporting blow. The “man mountain” has been a standout performer in their back three this season, and manager Franck Haise now faces a difficult run-in without his defensive anchor.
“Stade Rennais F.C. wishes him a speedy recovery,” the club statement read. “Following medical examinations, surgery has been scheduled in the coming days.”
The Road to Anfield
Despite the setback, Jacquet’s future at Anfield remains the focus. Viewed as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, the young Frenchman is expected to begin his rehabilitation program in Brittany before moving his recovery base to the AXA Training Centre in June.
With the 2026 World Cup looming in the distance, Jacquet will be determined to use his first months in England to prove that this shoulder injury is nothing more than a minor speed bump in a career destined for the top.
