Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is balancing the future of long-serving captain Virgil van Dijk with the arrival of defender Jeremy Jacquet, insisting the club
is planning carefully after a difficult season for injuries and missed transfer targets in defence.
Injuries have left Liverpool short of options at the back this season, and the club also failed to secure Marc Guehi last summer, with the England international instead moving to Manchester City in January. Liverpool have now responded by agreeing a reported €60m (£69.5m) deal with Rennes for France youth international Jeremy Jacquet, who will arrive ahead of next season.
Slot stressed that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy remains focused on younger players who can contribute quickly but also grow with the squad over time. He described recent signings as part of a wider plan, saying of the club’s approach that, "Such a big talent and another example of the model we're using at this clubyoung, very talented players sometimes at the start of their careers or sometimes already a little bit a few years into their career but always players that are young and can improve us in the short term but also definitely in the long term. "
The Liverpool head coach believes this pattern of investment has already strengthened the squad’s outlook, adding, "We've signed a lot of them recently and like I've said many times in the mid-long term future of this club, and even the short term, is in a very good place. " That broader context frames Liverpool’s decision to commit major funds to 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet.
Slot gave a detailed assessment of Jacquet’s profile, describing why Liverpool moved strongly for the Rennes defender. "Very pleasing of course. He's a very big talent and maybe even more than talent, but we speak about talent because of his age," Slot said. "We weren't the only one interested in him so it's a big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players. "
While Liverpool move for Jacquet, Van Dijk remains central to the current defence. Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2018 and signed new terms last year. The 34-year-old has a contract that runs until the end of next season, and despite some dips this campaign, Van Dijk has won more aerial duels, 119, than any other Premier League defender.
| Player | Club situation | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Current Liverpool captain | Contract to end of next season; 119 Premier League aerial duels won |
| Jeremy Jacquet | Joining Liverpool ahead of next season | Signed from Rennes for reported €60m (£69.5m); France youth international, aged 20 |
Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot and Jeremy Jacquet contract outlook
Slot underlined that Liverpool are not rushing decisions on Van Dijk’s future. Slot explained club policy by saying, "Everything that is done here is never in panic, it's always a long-term idea or something that has been thought about for a long time," and then widened that view to cover planning across the squad.
Speaking specifically about Van Dijk’s contract and age, Slot said, "Of course, we are aware of the fact that Virgil will not play for this club for 10 more years but he has a one-and-a-half-year contract left, so he will be with us for that period of time and maybe even longer if he keeps staying fit as he is now. " Slot’s comments suggest Liverpool are open to extending Van Dijk’s stay beyond 2027 if performances and fitness levels remain high.
Slot highlighted Van Dijk’s workload at 34, noting the demands at club and international level. "As I've said before, what a compliment to him at his age to play every three days, not only for his club but also for his country. " Slot then made clear that Liverpool still need to prepare for the future without the defender, stating, "Hopefully, he can stay as fit as he is for multiple years, but this club, we are not stupid, we know somewhere in the upcoming years, there will be life without Virgil. "
That long-term view, according to Slot, applies to the entire squad structure. "I can say for every position that this club is not only thinking about short-term but mid-long term future in the decisions we make. " The Jacquet signing, alongside continued reliance on Van Dijk, reflects that attempt to balance the present with planning for later seasons.
Slot also welcomed the chance to discuss Jacquet publicly after Liverpool confirmed the agreement for the France youth international. The club’s announcement noted that Jacquet will link up with Liverpool before the 2026-27 campaign, giving Slot and the coaching staff time to integrate the defender into a back line that still leans on Van Dijk’s experience.
Arne Slot has spoken for the first time on Jeremy Jacquet, who will join the Reds ahead of next seasonLiverpool FC (@LFC) February 5, 2026
Liverpool’s defensive plans therefore involve both continuity and change, with Van Dijk still expected to anchor the team at least until the end of next season, while Jacquet’s arrival and recent youthful signings demonstrate how Slot and the club intend to refresh the back line over the medium and longer term.
