Ex-World Cup winner Dugarry calls Liverpool 'suckers' over Jacquet deal

Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes
Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from RennesMatthieu Mirville / Matthieu Mirville / DPPI via AFP

Liverpool agreed a deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, which has now been bashed by French World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry.

Liverpool finalised a deal for Jacquet worth up to £60 million that will be completed in the summer as manager Arne Slot plans for the future. 

The Reds beat Chelsea to the Frenchman, who many believe could be one of the best defenders in the world over the next several years. 

Despite this, Dugarry has suggested that the Premier League champions have been played by Rennes, who he implies have ripped the English side off this winter. 

"This isn't meant to offend the player; honestly, he's not to blame at all, and we wish him all the best because he's a good player. When you have suckers like that, well done to Rennes. 

"Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool for €72m." 

Jacquet could come under immense pressure

A £60m deal for the 20-year-old is a hefty fee and Dugarry spoke more on how the price tag could place pressure on the young defender. 

"This isn't just a two-tiered football situation anymore, it's a football that's lost its mind. Let's stop trying to pretend there's a justification for it. There's no justification whatsoever. 

"And even for poor little Jacquet, this transfer is going to put a lot of pressure on him. Even him, the poor kid, who is certainly a very good player, is going to arrive with a pall of pressure. 

"His performances will be viewed differently, even though he doesn't deserve it. Those of us who know football, let's not try to justify this amount by saying it's because Liverpool has money or whatever. It's meaningless.” 

Jacquet joins teenager Giovanni Leoni, who arrived from Parma for £26m in the summer as two defenders who could lead Liverpool’s backline in the near future.