Liverpool Eye Rennes Prospect Jacquet as Konate's Potential Exit Looms

Liverpool are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements with Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void left by Ibrahima Konate's likely departure.

The Merseyside club's campaign has unravelled spectacularly since winning the Premier League in Arne Slot's debut season. Currently languishing ninth and claiming just four victories from 15 outings across all competitions, Saturday's 3-3 stalemate against Leeds United only deepened the gloom. Mohamed Salah's absence from the starting line-up proved emblematic of wider discontent, with the Egyptian subsequently accusing the club of "throwing him under the bus" and revealing his working relationship with Slot has fractured beyond repair.

Defensive woes compound the misery. Konate's contract runs down this summer, and both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are circling with January pre-contract offers on the table. According to Football Insider, Liverpool would sanction a £15million sale in the new year provided they secure a suitable replacement.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains on the radar—a deal that nearly materialised last summer before Palace's last-minute intervention during his medical—though Jacquet has captured the club's attention as a more attainable prospect.

The 20-year-old France Under-21 international has made 15 Ligue Un appearances for Rennes this season, impressing sufficiently to warrant repeated Liverpool scouting missions. Sky Switzerland's Sacha Tavolieri reported that the Reds' scouts have consistently returned from their observations convinced of Jacquet's exceptional potential. "The young defender has been scouted extensively this season," Tavolieri explained. "Each time, the Reds' scouts have come away with the same impression: this lad has something special."

The investment represents sensible contingency planning given Konate's uncertain future. Tavolieri added that Jacquet "is currently one of the most sought-after players by the sporting management," and the anticipated move "seems quite logical, especially considering that Jacquet was also officially scouted by Liverpool this season."

Jamie Carragher struck a measured tone last month regarding Konate's potential exit, insisting Liverpool would navigate the situation comfortably. "I'd like him to stay but if he doesn't stay, Liverpool will sign someone else," the former defender told the Daily Mail. "Liverpool won't fall apart if Konate leaves. He's not Virgil van Dijk."

Carragher acknowledged Konate's credentials—"a very good centre-back, he's a title winner at Liverpool, he's played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid"—whilst maintaining perspective. "You can't physically make somebody sign a contract," he reasoned. "It's not poor management if he goes for free."