Arne Slot: Liverpool’s recent acquisition Jérémy Jacquet ‘a significant talent’
Arne Slot has referred to defender Jérémy Jacquet as a “very big talent” in anticipation of his summer transfer to Liverpool.
Slot’s team finalized an initial £55 million ($74.6m) agreement with Rennes for Jacquet on transfer deadline day, with the centre-back expected to join Anfield in July.
He had attracted interest from several other European clubs, including Chelsea; however, Liverpool intensified their long-standing interest in the player last weekend.
“Very satisfying, of course,” Slot remarked. “He’s a very big talent and perhaps even more than just talent, but we refer to talent due to his age.
“Secondly, because we weren’t the only ones pursuing him, it’s a significant compliment to the individuals working diligently to secure players.
“Such a remarkable talent and another illustration of the model we are implementing at this club — young, highly skilled players who are sometimes at the beginning of their careers or occasionally a few years into their careers, but always players who are young and can enhance our team both in the short term and definitely in the long term.
“We have acquired many of them recently, and as I have stated numerous times, the mid-to-long-term future of this club, and even the short term, is in a very positive position.”
Liverpool currently sits sixth in the Premier League standings and will aim to improve their chances of a top-four finish with a win against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
“The match we played there [in the 3-0 loss at Etihad Stadium], we were thoroughly outplayed in the first half for significant portions,” Slot noted.
“It’s another opportunity for us to assess where we are in the progression of this team.
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“That said, we understand the significance of a result on Sunday, but that applies to all teams in the Premier League this weekend — it’s the concluding phase of the season, so results become increasingly important.
“They’re a very strong team that even defeated the team we overcame last weekend without their starters, which indicates, along with our match against them, what a formidable force City remains and will always be.”
Regarding Liverpool’s injury status, Slot added: “Jeremie [Frimpong] will certainly not train this week, so he is unavailable for the weekend.
“With Joe [Gomez], we have a glimmer of hope that he might train on Saturday, so he won’t be available to start but may be able to assist the team if necessary, as, you know, there are not many defenders available at this time.”
