Liverpool’s signing of Jeremy Jacquet has put the spotlight on his rise in Ligue 1, but he was already attracting attention from PSG long before the move to Anfield.
Back then, he wasn’t yet seen as one of France’s top defensive prospects, a reputation he only built up over time.
His development at Rennes this season turned heads across Europe, and Liverpool acted quickly to secure his signature ahead of other interested clubs.
Jacquet is expected to join up with Liverpool at the end of the season. The club will be hoping he’s fully recovered from shoulder surgery that may keep him out for the rest of his time in Ligue 1.
But it wasn’t injury concerns that led PSG to back away during his early days as a youth player. The reason was more about how he fit into their plans at the time.
Jeremy Jacquet’s technical ability was questioned at youth level by PSG
Jacquet has developed significantly in recent years. The excitement surrounding his potential isn’t just hype – he’s genuinely made strides.
Standing at 6’4″, he is just behind Virgil van Dijk in the top five in Europe for aerial duel win percentage.
But he is also a good passer and a centre-back who is extremely comfortable carrying the ball. At age 14, that facet of his game wasn’t so eye-catching.
Doucoure would prove to be the wrong choice. He never entered the first-team picture at PSG and now plays for Nantes. The scout goes on to point out the wide margin for error that comes with assessing talent that young.
PSG likely won’t lament the missed opportunity too much. They are champions of Europe after all.
There could be a repeat fixture between PSG and Liverpool
PSG’s closest shave in the Champions League knockout stages last season came against Liverpool.
It was a shame that meeting happened so early, but there’s every chance the two clubs cross paths again later this season.
This isn’t quite the same PSG side that lifted their first European trophy. Even from the opening leg of their play-off with Monaco, flaws were clear to see.
They fell behind by two goals early on, and while they managed to turn it around for a 3-2 win, stronger opposition wouldn’t have let them off so easily.
Liverpool have also changed since last year, but both teams still have enough quality to push deep into the tournament. A rematch would not only be challenging but also an opportunity for the Reds to avenge last season’s defeat.
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