The transfer window’s final hours brought a bold statement from Liverpool, sealing a £60m deal for Rennes’ young defender Jeremy Jacquet. Yet, no sooner had the ink dried than World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry unleashed a blistering critique, labelling the Reds as gullible spenders in a market gone mad.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jacquet underscores their urgent quest for defensive depth. With Ibrahima Konate’s future clouded by persistent injury concerns and whispers of interest from elsewhere, Arne Slot’s side has prioritised long-term stability at centre-back.

The 20-year-old Frenchman, who has clocked fewer than 60 senior appearances, arrives as the club’s second-most expensive defender ever—trailing only Virgil van Dijk’s £75m benchmark from 2018. An initial £55m fee, plus £5m in potential add-ons, edged out Chelsea in a heated race for his signature.

Dugarry, speaking on RMC’s ‘Rothen s’enflamme’, didn’t mince words. “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. But when you have suckers like that… well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool that was [willing to pay] €70million (£60m).”

The former Bordeaux and France star, part of the 1998 World Cup triumph, sees this as symptomatic of broader insanity in football finances. “Let them continue, all these English clubs, sending tens of millions of euros,” he added. “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.”

Such spending, Dugarry argues, distorts the game, with Premier League clubs flexing financial muscle amid ongoing debates over profit and sustainability rules.

For Jacquet, the move carries weighty expectations. Staying at Rennes until summer to aid their Ligue 1 top-four push, he’ll join a backline featuring Van Dijk, Konate. Yet Dugarry warns of the pitfalls: “Poor 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 so much pressure. His performances will be viewed differently, even though he doesn’t deserve it.”

Liverpool fans know all too well how transfer fees can become albatrosses—think Andy Carroll or more recently, Darwin Nunez. Jacquet’s rapid rise, from Rennes’ academy to France U21 caps, suggests potential, but adapting to Anfield’s intensity will test him. Slot’s tactical evolution, blending high pressing with positional play, demands quick learners at the back.

Still, the Reds’ strategy aligns with their data-driven approach, as per reports from The Athletic on their scouting network. Opta stats show Jacquet ranking in the top 10% of Ligue 1 centre-backs for progressive passes and aerial duels won, traits that could complement Van Dijk’s leadership.

Dugarry’s barbs sting, but they echo a familiar refrain from continental voices envious—or critical—of English dominance.