Liverpool agree deals for defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Liverpool have agreed summer deals to sign centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien ahead of the new Premier League season.
The double acquisition represents the first major defensive reinforcement for manager Arne Slot.
Chief executive Michael Edwards sanctioned both moves as the Merseyside club look to build on last year’s extensive squad overhaul.
The Anfield side invested heavily in their midfield last summer but have now shifted their focus towards long-term defensive stability.
£60m deal for French prospect
The most high-profile arrival is a £60m agreement for the 20-year-old Rennes standout.
Terms were originally finalised during the January transfer window before the French youth international was loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit.
However, the promising defender suffered a significant shoulder injury against Lens in February.
He underwent successful surgery earlier this month and faces an estimated rehabilitation period of up to 12 weeks.
His reduced playing time over the coming months diminishes the risk of further aggravation before he arrives in England.
Investing in Austrian youth
Joining the Frenchman on Merseyside this summer will be an imposing 18-year-old talent.
Standing at 6ft 6in, the teenage prospect has been a regular fixture for Austria Wien’s reserve side in the country’s second tier.
The towering centre-half recently graduated to the Austrian under-18 national setup.
Despite making 10 appearances for his club’s developmental squad this term, he is yet to make his senior competitive debut.
