Liverpool plan to sign 'top-class' defender as Jeremy Jacquet role revealed
Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to sign a replacement for Virgil van Dijk as Jeremy Jacquet is not expected to step into his role.
Instead, the 21-year-old is considered a long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract in the summer transfer window.
Despite high hopes for his development and an impressive start to his career at Anfield, the Reds are planning to bring in a "top-class" centre-back alongside him.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Jacquet is not going to ease Liverpool's concerns about Van Dijk's future, despite his clear talent.
This comes as Liverpool are preparing to lose their captain when his contract expires at the end of the season, and work is being done to identify potential targets.
While there are high hopes for both Jacquet and the currently-injured Giovanni Leoni at Anfield, a new arrival is likely to be brought in in their efforts to repalce Van Dijk.
Who could replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool?
Football Insider revealed on 14 September that Liverpool already have their Van Dijk replacements lined up, with Jacquet and Leoni ready to step into the role long-term.
However, doubts have emerged around that plan, with Jacquet impressing on the right-hand side of the defence alongside Van Dijk in his performances so far this season.
As a result, plans are being put in place to bring in somebody who will play alongside Jacquet in the absence of Van Dijk, should he not put pen to paper on a new contract.
"I don't think they're looking at Jacquet as the long-term replacement for Van Dijk," Brown told Football Insider.
"I believe he's been signed as the replacement for Ibrahima Konate, to play alongside Van Dijk for this season at least, because that's what they've done with him so far.
"Jacquet has always played on the right of that duo, so if they lose Van Dijk, they're more likely to bring in a top-class centre-back to play alongside him in that back line.
"It's something they have been working on behind the scenes, to identify the right player to come in and replace him, because I don't think it's going to be Jacquet."
What is the latest on Van Dijk's future at Liverpool?
Speculation about Van Dijk's long-term future and potential replacements at Anfield comes as he edges towards the expiry of his contract after entering the final year.
The 35-year-old will see his current contract expire in 2027 as things stand, and could be allowed to leave Anfield on a free transfer come the end of the season.
Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Liverpool are not currently planning to hold talks with Van Dijk, and will assess his situation towards the end of the season.
This follows a similar pathway to the one they took in 2025, when both Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were handed new contracts late in the season after months of speculation.
He remains a crucial part of Andoni Iraola's starting XI for now, but concerns about his age and the club's long-term plans mean no decision has been made yet.