As the January 2026 transfer window intensifies, FC Barcelona has identified the “crown jewel” of French defending to lead their next generation. Deco has reportedly made Jérémy Jacquet, the 20-year-old Stade Rennais sensation, his top priority for the center-back position.
The sporting director’s vision is clear: a defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Jérémy Jacquet that could anchor the Blaugrana backline for the next decade. At 6 ft. 3 in. (1.90m), Jacquet provides the physical dominance Hansi Flick craves, combined with the technical elegance required at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona Eyes France’s Best U20 Defender
In France, Jérémy Jacquet is no longer a secret, and Barcelona has been scouting him extensively throughout the 2025/26 season.
Often compared to William Saliba for his composure and reading of the game, he has become a regular starter for Stade Rennais. His statistical profile makes him a “Deco favorite” for the Barcelona project:
- Aerial Dominance: Ranks in the top percentile for aerial duels won in Ligue 1.
- Ball Distribution: Boasts a 90.9% passing accuracy, essential for Flick’s build-up play.
- Defensive Maturity: Despite his age, he has already recorded 17 interceptions and 14 blocked shots in just 16 league appearances this season.
Barcelona Faces a €40M-€60M Transfer Battle
While Deco dreams of the Jacquet-Cubarsí duo, the financial reality remains the biggest hurdle for Barcelona. Although Transfermarkt currently values the Frenchman at €20 million, his meteoric rise has prompted Stade Rennais to slap a “dissuasive” price tag on their star.
Reports from France suggest the Breton club will not even sit at the negotiating table with Barcelona for less than €40 million, with some sources claiming they are holding out for €60 million to ward off interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s Strategic Plan Beyond the Winter Window
The interest in Jacquet isn’t a “stopgap” for the current injury crisis at Barcelona; it’s a strategic move to secure one of Europe’s most promising ball-winning defenders.
Deco is reportedly working behind the scenes to establish a relationship with Jacquet’s camp, hoping to convince the player that the project at Barcelona offers the best environment for his development.
If the numbers can be made to work—perhaps through a structured payment plan—Jacquet could be the final piece in Hansi Flick’s defensive puzzle as the team prepares for the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah.
Do you think Barcelona should prioritize Jérémy Jacquet over a more experienced veteran to partner with Pau Cubarsí?
