​Andoni Iraola has indicated that Jeremy Jacquet is ready to partner Virgil van Dijk in defense this coming season, with the Frenchman described as fully fit. The departure of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer and Giovanni Leoni’s ongoing ACL rehabilitation have left Jacquet as the most plausible option to slot into the starting XI. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Rennes in the January window on a deal that was postponed to the summer, has been handed the No. 5 shirt. Iraola has said he has been aware of Jacquet’s development for some time, even before taking the Liverpool job this summer, and believes the player has all the tools needed for the role. He told Stan Sport that Jacquet is “fully fit and ready to go,” a message that will be music to the ears of Anfield supporters who face a fragile centre-back situation.
It’s also worth noting that Joe Gomez remains an available option at centre-back, though there is a sense within the coaching staff that the Englishman is best kept as a backup, given his versatility to fill in at right-back as well. While the idea of a Van Dijk–Jacquet partnership is appealing, the depth behind them appears threadbare. Gomez is a valuable squad option, especially with Conor Bradley still recovering from injury and Jeremie Frimpong’s availability a constant gamble.
Even with Leoni fully fit, Konate’s exit has left the backline light on experience and options. The club’s recruitment decisions in this area have been frustrating, with opportunities such as Luka Vuskovic and Antonio Silva reportedly missed, both of whom ended up at Brighton and Bournemouth respectively. This suggests the club may be casting a wider net for a more seasoned presence to relieve pressure on Leoni and Jacquet this season. A move to bring in a veteran defender would be welcomed, as it would lessen the burden on the young pair and provide greater stability.
In short, Jacquet’s readiness is reassuring for Liverpool, but the squad still looks short on genuine experience at centre-back. A decisive recruitment push to address this gap would be highly beneficial as the club eyes a more robust defensive setup for the 2026/27 campaign.