Rennes has been plunged into chaos following Jeremy Jacquet's transfer agreement with Liverpool, with reports in France having suggested the club's manager is under pressure

Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter

11:39, 07 Feb 2026

Jeremy Jacquet is set to be part of Liverpool's defense next season(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Ligue 1 side Rennes has issued an explosive statement following "slanderous" claims regarding Jeremy Jacquet's transfer to Liverpool.

The French defender is set to move to Anfield next season after the reigning Premier League champions agreed an $82 million (£60 million) deal to sign him. Jacquet, 20, will remain at Rennes for the rest of the season, but the club has been hit with reports that head coach Habib Beye is under intense pressure after suffering a 3-0 loss to Marseille in the Coupe de France earlier this week.

According to FootMercato, they've suggested that the former Newcastle defender has ‘opened the door’ to leaving the French side but he ‘wants a substantial payoff’ to do so.

READ MORE: Man City relegation prediction made as Liverpool waits for 115 charges verdict - 'There's no way'READ MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

Further allegations claim that Beye wants to bank a percentage of the mammoth transfer fee Liverpool has agreed to pay Rennes for Jacquet. Ahead of a huge clash against Ligue 1 title contenders Lens on Saturday, Rennes released a statement.

It read: "Stade Rennais F.C. has taken note of the slanderous statements made in the columns of certain media outlets against the club and its coach Habib Beye, particularly regarding fanciful interests related to the transfers of our players Jérémy Jacquet and Kader Meïté.

"The management of Stade Rennais F.C. firmly denies these allegations. On the eve of an important away match, these attempts at destabilization are indecent and dishonest. Stade Rennais F.C., as a whole—players, coach, staff, and management—is doing everything possible to regain positive momentum in order to achieve its objectives."

Rennes boss Habib Beye is reportedly under pressure(Image: RMC Sport)

Further reports involving Rennes claimed Beye had clashed with his players, Moussa Al-Tamari and Brice Samba, at half-time in the loss against Marseille. However, Beye rubbished the rumors in his pre-match press conference: "I'm perfectly fine mentally.

"Unfortunately, in the locker room, we saw that a lot of things were being reported. I'm still surprised by how inaccurate everything that's been said. Everything that's been reported is inaccurate. It wasn't a clash, but a coach's instruction, like in any locker room.

"We also know that things can change quickly, one way or the other. We need to stay calm. We can’t be in this situation where everything is viewed negatively. We get closer, but then we’re plunged back into an incredible crisis.

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"I’m protecting my team, and what’s unfortunate is that everything is getting out and being distorted. We need to report the real facts, not fabricated ones. I’m not trying to set the record straight, but I have to protect my team from this."

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Liverpool hosts Manchester City on Sunday and ahead of the fixture, Slot revealed his delight in the agreement to sign Jacquet, as he showered praise on the highly-rated talent. "First of all, he is a very big talent and maybe even more than only a talent, but we speak about that because of his age," the Dutchman said.

"Second, we weren't the only ones interested in him so it is a big compliment to the people who are working so hard every single day to sign players that we were able to sign such a big talent.

"It is another example of the model we use at this club: young, very talented, sometimes at the start of their careers and sometimes a few years in, but always players that are young and can improve and help us for the short and definitely the long term."

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Liverpool and Manchester City both have a number of injury problems heading into Sunday's game at Anfield, with the hosts facing a nervous wait on Joe Gomez's fitness

Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist and James Findlater Content Editor

10:55, 07 Feb 2026

Joe Gomez makes his way off the pitch after picking up an injury in Liverpool's game against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's encounter with Manchester City on Sunday could see up to 11 players sidelined due to injury. The Reds continue their quest for a top-four finish this weekend as they look to derail City's Premier League title ambitions.

The Merseyside outfit boasts an impressive record against Pep Guardiola's side at Anfield and will fancy its chances of securing all three points. Arne Slot's team delivered a commanding performance in last weekend's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United and sits just two points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.

However, both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns. Joe Gomez remains a doubt following a groin injury, though there is a possibility he could feature this weekend.

READ MORE: Man City relegation prediction made as Liverpool waits for 115 charges verdict - 'There's no way'READ MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

The defender has been missing from training again this week. Slot has confirmed that Gomez's condition means he cannot start, though the defender could still play a role from the bench, depending on whether he trains on Saturday.

The Dutchman also revealed that Jeremie Frimpong would be absent for several weeks after sustaining a thigh injury. Whilst the diagnosis was more encouraging than initially feared, the Dutch international is still unavailable for selection.

Alexander Isak was present in the stands during Liverpool's triumph over Newcastle, but remains far from fit following his broken leg. The striker faces several more months on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.

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Teenage center-back Giovanni Leoni is set to miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury he sustained on his debut, which required surgery in September.

Conor Bradley's season with Liverpool has also been cut short following a knee injury he picked up in the draw against Arsenal last month, leading to surgery.

For City, Ruben Dias has been sidelined for the past month after getting injured in the draw against Chelsea. He joined his teammates on their trip to London last week and was back in the squad on Wednesday.

Ruben Dias has been injured for around a month(Image: 2026 Allstar)

John Stones has been out of action since early December, and his return is anticipated to be gradual. Savinho, on the other hand, suffered a thigh injury in the goalless draw with Sunderland last month, but could make a comeback later this month.

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Jeremy Doku had to leave the pitch with a calf injury during the first half of City's Champions League game against Galatasaray at the end of January. In other news, Josko Gvardiol is on the mend from a broken leg he incurred in the draw against Chelsea at the beginning of the year.

Lastly, Mateo Kovacic has been nursing an ankle injury since November and isn't expected to return to the pitch anytime soon.

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Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were both rewarded with new contracts by Liverpool last year, but the pair have seen a big chunk of their earnings disappear

Mark Whiley Sports Reporter and James Findlater Content Editor

10:26, 07 Feb 2026Updated 10:27, 07 Feb 2026

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have lost a big chunk of their earnings after signing new contracts at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has seen a substantial portion of his earnings disappear in tax since putting pen to paper on his new Liverpool contract. The club captain brought an end to months of uncertainty last April by signing a fresh two-year agreement with the Reds.

The extension mirrors his previous arrangement, meaning he continues to pocket around £350,000 ($477,000) per week, totalling £40 million ($55M). However, Van Dijk doesn't see a large slice of his salary, having handed over £9.7M ($13.2M) in tax during the past 12 months, according to the Sunday Times Tax List.

This places him among the UK's highest taxpayers overall, not just within football. The football rankings are led by Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who has stumped up a staggering £17M ($23.2M) in tax over the past year.

READ MORE: Man City relegation prediction made as Liverpool waits for 115 charges verdict - 'There's no way'READ MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

Second is Van Dijk's team-mate, Mohamed Salah, on £14.5M ($19.7M).

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (£10.9M/$14.8M) sits third on the UK footballers' list ahead of his Old Trafford exit at the end of the campaign, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Former Reds winger Raheem Sterling, who last week terminated his Chelsea contract by mutual consent, contributed £9.8M ($13.3M) in tax, £100,000 more than Van Dijk.

Mohamed Salah is one of the UK's biggest taxpayers(Image: Getty Images)

Portuguese pair Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, representing Manchester United and Manchester City respectively, were level on £9M ($12.3M). Haaland and Salah secured places in the overall top 100 taxpayers in the Sunday Times list, with Haaland ranked 72nd and Salah 81st.

Given his age, Liverpool is planning for life after Van Dijk by securing the signature of 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet. The France under-21s international, who had also attracted interest from Chelsea, will arrive at Anfield in the summer following an agreement worth an initial £55M ($75M), potentially rising by £5M ($6.8M) in add-ons, to bring him from Rennes, where he will see out the current campaign.

With Van Dijk set to turn 35 in the summer, the club are putting the building blocks in place for a refreshed defensive line-up in the years ahead.

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Arne Slot said: "It's another example of the model we're using at this club – young, very talented players sometimes at the start of their careers or sometimes already a little bit into their careers.

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"But always players that are young and can improve us in the short term, but also definitely in the long term.

"We've signed a lot of them recently and, like I've said many times, the mid to long-term future of this club, and even the short-term future, is in a very, very good place."

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Harvey Elliott has made just seven appearances for Aston Villa this season due to a £35m obligation to buy clause, with manager Unai Emery now publicly appealing to Liverpool to remove the terms so the midfielder can play

Felix Keith and John Townley Aston Villa correspondent

22:46, 06 Feb 2026Updated 22:46, 06 Feb 2026

Unai Emery has called out Liverpool over Harvey Elliott's situation(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has pointed the finger at Liverpool for "damaging" Harvey Elliott's career, attributing his wasted season to the conditions of his loan deal. Elliott has seen little action on loan at Villa this season, and Emery feels that Liverpool's stipulations have effectively tied his hands.

The 22 year old midfielder made the move to Villa on a season-long loan in September, hoping to secure regular playtime after struggling to break into the first team during Liverpool's Premier League-winning 2024/25 campaign. However, his stint at Villa has turned into a nightmare, with only seven appearances to his name so far.

This is due to a clause stating that Villa would be obliged to shell out £35million to make Elliott's move permanent if he clocks up 10 appearances this season. As a result, Emery has kept him benched, with a rare outing against Red Bull Salzburg in a non-crucial Europa League match on January 29 marking his first game in three months.

READ MORE: Harvey Elliott shows his true colors at Aston Villa after Unai Emery treatmentREAD MORE: Arne Slot warned Mohamed Salah could be 'problem' for Liverpool against Man City

Emery empathizes with Elliott, who has maintained his professionalism throughout, and has now publicly called on Liverpool to remove the obligation-to-buy clause from the loan agreement, after months of behind-the-scenes discussions failed to yield the desired outcome.

"I spoke with him. We have been fair because there are two ways: one way is a sport, the second is business," Emery said on Friday ahead of Villa's Premier League game against Bournemouth. "We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it, and I told him, we are opening the door to play with us, because he can help us.

"But it's not only in my way and on my side. The other side is Liverpool. If they take off the clauses to play matches and for us to buy him, (I said to him) 'you are going to play here with us, it's a sport decision.' But now it's a sport decision and a business decision. My sport decision is still there - 'you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play.'".

Harvey Elliott has endured a frustrating time at Aston Villa(Image: James Gill/Getty Images)

"But in case the clauses are still there, now it is Liverpool - they have the key. And I told him, it will be fair for him in case Liverpool take off this clause. We are speaking about it (taking off the clause) but not now. We started speaking about it three months ago. Of course, the transfer window finished on Monday."

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Liverpool declined to recall Elliott during the January transfer window and it appears improbable that they will alter their stance on the clause within the agreement. The England under-21 international's contract at Anfield runs until June 2027, but a summer departure looks likely once his difficult spell at Villa comes to an end.

"It will be fair for him, because he's a calm guy, good guy, and he's a fantastic professional. And then his qualities are there," Emery added. "Of course he must play, and he's really being patient. And I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there, and we are respecting the decision and taking the sporting decision responsibly from my side.

"It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause. If they don't want to, okay, but the player is getting damaged."

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Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's best forward for almost a decade but he is enduring his worst season since moving to Merseyside, and could leave this summer

20:05, 06 Feb 2026

Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah(Image: AFP or licensors)

Former Liverpool player Joe Cole believes that Mohamed Salah is a "problem" for the Reds – because too much of the team's play still goes through the Egyptian superstar.

Salah produced arguably his best-ever season last term as he drove Liverpool to the Premier League title, but this season has been his worst since he moved to Merseyside.

Hugo Ekitike has usurped him – for the time being, at least – as Liverpool's most reliable source of goals, but Cole thinks that Salah's long-standing status as the team's go-to man means that Ekitike does not yet enjoy the prominence in the team that he deserves.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak value plummets due to injury woes as Liverpool left waitingREAD MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

Cole believes that Ekitike would be one of the main beneficiaries were Salah to leave the club this summer.

"The first 30 minutes of the Newcastle game [last weekend], Liverpool were taken apart, it could’ve been 2-0," Cole said. "After that, they were sublime. I think the problem for Arne Slot is Mo Salah.

"Hugo Ekitike looks like he’s the type of player that would benefit from having a starring role, but when Mo plays, the ball goes to him all the time because he’s been so good.

"This will be the last three months at Liverpool for Mo Salah. I think he’ll leave at the end of the season and walk out with being an all-time great at the club.

"Going forward, Arne Slot is going to have to find somewhere to adjust the system of how his team play.”

Mohamed Salah has been tipped to leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty)

Cole recently identified Jarrod Bowen as a possible replacement for Salah, should the England international suffer relegation with West Ham this season.

“Jarrod is a wonderful footballer, a great character and a hero at West Ham. His name will stand shoulder to shoulder with all the great players that have played for the club,” Cole told Paddy Power.

“He’s loved at the club and he deserves, at the peak of his career, to win silverware and fight at the top level.

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“If West Ham were to get relegated, it won’t be anything to do with what Jarrod Bowen has done; he’s been a stalwart for the club. I think he’ll walk away and the majority of the fans will accept that.

“Who does he suit? Obviously, Liverpool, that slot [out wide] might come into play if Mo Salah leaves. He can go and play anywhere.”

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Liverpool agreed a £125million deal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on the final day of the summer transfer window, but the striker's value has now dropped

19:01, 06 Feb 2026

Alexander Isak of Liverpool(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Alexander Isak's transfer value has taken a hit during his debut season at Liverpool, following his high-profile move from Newcastle United. The Reds were persistently linked with signing Isak for several months before finally securing a deal on the last day of the transfer window last September.

Liverpool struck a $170 million agreement with Newcastle to bring in Isak, making him the club's priciest signing and setting a new British transfer record.

In the same window, Liverpool also signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could potentially reach $158 million with add-ons, while Hugo Ekitike was also brought to Anfield for a fee that could escalate to $107.5 million.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury returnREAD MORE: Man City could be without 6 players for Liverpool game as Pep Guardiola issues update

Isak joined Liverpool without having played a single minute for Newcastle during pre-season and spent most of the first few months of the season working on his fitness.

After netting three goals in 16 appearances for Liverpool, Isak sustained an ankle injury and a fractured fibula during the victory over Tottenham Hotspur back in December.

The injury necessitated surgery for Isak, which is expected to keep the striker out of action for several months, and there is still no precise timeline for his return.

At the time of Isak's arrival, Transfermarkt valued the Swedish international at $165 million. However, that valuation has now fallen to $142 million.

Alexander Isak's injury woes have damaged his value(Image: Getty Images)

It's hardly surprising to witness Isak's market value decline this season, considering the striker has featured in just 16 matches since late May and has spent most of the period since either rehabilitating from injury or regaining match fitness.

Arne Slot addressed Isak's fitness situation last month, with the Liverpool head coach indicating that a return to the matchday squad isn't anticipated in the near future."He's [Isak] not even on the pitch yet," Slot said on January 30. "He's just out of his walker, so that tells you that we're not expecting him on the pitch today or tomorrow in terms of his recovery work. "That's going to take a while before he's back, as we knew."

Isak is expected to play a key role for Liverpool next season after he's finished fully recovering, but Slot has been warned that the Swede needs to fix his injury issues before he can be considered world-class.

Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz, via the Liverpool Echo., explained the role Isak can play for the Reds once he's fully back to his best.

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Man City referee was accused of 'hiding' behind VAR by Jurgen KloppREAD MORE: Arne Slot firing verdict issued in parliament as politician makes feelings clear

"First Alexander Isak has to come back from his injury and I think he will be a very good fit for Liverpool once he is fit," Schwarz said.

"He's a young player. He has a lot of qualities. He's very cool in the box, a very good finisher. He can produce magic in small areas and tight spaces. The only problem is his injury history.

"I think Liverpool will work with Isak to get the right balance so he doesn't miss out on too many games when he returns so he is a much better player for next season.

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"He is a top striker but when you don't have the continuity, and you are injured, it's very difficult to reach the top again.

"He isn't a world-class striker right now but he has the potential to be one."

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