Rennes Reclaims Young Star Jérémy Jacquet for Nearly €1 Million

RENNES, France — Stade Rennais has made headlines this winter by re-signing Jérémy Jacquet, a promising 19-year-old central defender, for nearly €1 million. Despite Jacquet already being under contract until 2027, the club sought his return from Clermont Foot, where he had been performing well on loan.

The decision to bring Jacquet back comes after a challenging summer transfer market for the Breton club, which had struggled to build a competitive team. Now, the young talent, who impressed during his two-season stints at Clermont, is being welcomed back with open arms.

As a vital player for Clermont under coach Laurent Battles, Jacquet was considered one of the team’s best performers, even in a lackluster season. His value has only increased, as Rennes made a persuasive case for his return to the club where he developed.

Jacquet’s impact has been immediate since his arrival back at Rennes. He debuted in January 2024 against Nice, but it was his performance as a starting right center-back against Saint-Etienne that really turned heads. With a solid showing in that match, he quickly found his footing in the starting lineup and has continued to impress against teams like Reims and Montpellier, demonstrating both skill and maturity.

Rennes head coach Habib Beye expressed his enthusiasm for Jacquet’s potential, declaring, “It felt like he had been here for twenty matches,” in a recent interview with Ouest France. Beye also acknowledged that Jacquet is being monitored by top clubs across Europe, thanks to his skills and promising performances.

In addition to his domestic duties, Jacquet’s inclusion in the all-star lineup for the U19 Euro 2024 last summer further underscores his talent. His performances helped the French team reach the finals, showcasing his skills on an important international stage.

Jacquet has not only been a reliable defender but has also contributed strategically to the team’s offensive plays. Notably, during his four appearances since returning, Rennes has not conceded a single goal while he was on the pitch, reinforcing the team’s defensive stability.

After being injured and subbed out in a match against Lille, where the score was 0-0, Jacquet’s influence on the pitch has remained commendable. His efforts in February earned him the title of Player of the Month among Rennes supporters, further validating the investment of €900,000.

With Beye affirming the club’s decision, stating, “Why wouldn’t we take him back right away, since we believe he is up to the level now?”, it seems the young defender’s future at Stade Rennais looks exceptionally bright.