Liverpool will be delighted that they managed to convince Jeremy Jacquet to sign, but Tim Sherwood thinks he is making a mistake.
The first step has been taken in FSG’s planned defensive rebuild with Jacquet agreeing to join Liverpool at the end of the season.
From a Liverpool fan perspective, it’s fantastic news. This is one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents, earning comparisons to William Saliba.
How good a signing do you think Jeremy Jacquet will be?
From the player’s perspective, though, it might be a mistake. Well, that’s what Sherwood would have you believe.
Tim Sherwood thinks Jeremy Jacquet should have picked Chelsea over Liverpool
The speed at which this story developed was quite something.
Chelsea were firmly in the lead for Jacquet, but in the final hours of the penultimate day of the window, Liverpool emerged as favourites.
By the morning, the deal was all but sealed.
Sherwood rates the Frenchman highly, but seems to think coming to Anfield was not the right decision.
He tells Sky Sports: “I think they’ve done it now because they had to do it now, otherwise Chelsea would have moved in. They’ve obviously paid a little bit more money. It is an attractive proposition for a kid to go to the Premier League champions, obviously. But he’ll realise it is for the future.
“I read somewhere that the kid thinks he’s got more opportunities to play at Liverpool than he has at Chelsea. I’m not sure that’s correct. I don’t for one minute believe Konate will stay. I think if he moves on, they will go and get someone who’s ready for now.”
Sherwood goes on to voice scepticism over the promises that have been made regarding the project, though you would hope he isn’t in the same position to make that judgement as Jacquet’s camp.
Why Sherwood is wrong about Jacquet and Liverpool
It’s not that Sherwood is talking nonsense. Breaking into this Liverpool defence is no easy feat.
But to claim Chelsea is a better destination is farcical.
BlueCo operate more like a business than a football club, trading young players like stocks and operating in a financially motivated way.
Sure, his avenue to the first team might be easier to see, but Chelsea are not in as strong a position as Liverpool, and there is far more patience with young talent in this fanbase.
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Sure, Jacquet won’t be the first choice from the moment he arrives on Merseyside, but if he’s as good as the scouts say he is, he will get his chance.
- READ MORE: There are only two things Arne Slot can do to save his job at Liverpool, says Tim Sherwood
Beyond his first season, the Reds will be a stronger team than Chelsea over the next decade.
And you can take that to the bank.
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