Jeremy Jacquet to Chelsea: Rennes boss hints at green light for €70m transfer

Robin Bairner

23 Jan 2026 07:23 GMT
4 min read

Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes to Chelsea could accelerate quickly in the coming days, according to Habib Beye, the head coach of the French side, who says he’s been “stunned” by the young defender’s calm.

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Earlier this week, the momentum seemed to be sweeping the deal towards a swift conclusion as Jacquet agreed personal terms with the West London side.

The move has since stalled, with no deal yet agreed between the clubs, but Rennes boss Habib Beye has admitted that there remains every chance an agreement could be reached before the end of the transfer window.

Current ETV

Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

ETV Range

€16M - €19.6M

Rennes admit ‘economic reality’ may force deal

Chelsea launched an initial bid worth €50 million, but Rennes have been holding out for €65-70m, according to French source Ouest France.

The Blues have considered holding their own in negotiations but making a concession that would see Jacquet loaned back to the Ligue 1 side for the end of the season, and Beye says that the reality is that a big enough bid will force his team to accept an offer.

“It’s not me that controls the transfer market,” the coach said. “There’s an economic reality and I won’t have the final say.

“When a team like Rennes has lofty ambitions, speaking as the coach, I want to keep my best players and to have as strong a team as possible. Jeremy Jacquet is among those players.

“I’ve told you what I’ve told the board, but not with the intention of putting pressure on them.

“We’ve been very clear with respect to Jeremy’s situation; he’s stable, and that’s the most important thing for us.

“But there’s still time left in the transfer window and lots of things can happen. We have to be as calm as possible.”

Jeremy Jacquet stuns Rennes

With respect to how Jacquet is handling the situation, Beye has been left impressed with the attitude of the 20-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €17.8m.

“I’m stunned to see how calmly he’s managing the situation,” he said. “I have a feeling that he’s a boy very focused on what he’s going through currently.”

Chelsea have yet to make a major signing in the January transfer window, and while a deal for Jacquet has work to do, the Blues are accelerating in a shock loan move for a midfielder.

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