FC Bayern have had their bid for Marc Guéhi rejected – and are now turning their attention to an alternative from France.
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, FC Bayern, together with Chelsea FC, are among the biggest interested parties in Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennes. The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting defensive talents in Ligue 1 – but at a hefty price. Rennes are said to be planning to keep Jacquet until at least the end of the season in order to push up his transfer fee in the summer. The asking price is said to be around 60 million euros.
Jacquet is still under contract with Rennes until 2029 and, despite his young age, is already an undisputed regular. This season, he has made 17 competitive appearances across all competitions and has established himself as a permanent fixture in defence. In addition to his strength in tackles, his qualities in building up play are particularly emphasized.
The centre-back has also long been on the international radar, with Radio Marca reporting interest from Real Madrid back in December. Loose contact with the Whites is said to have been established last summer and scouts from Madrid have regularly been spotted at Rennes matches this season.
Bayern come away empty-handed with Guéhi
The name Jacquet is also gaining in importance at Säbener Straße because the transfer of Marc Guéhi for FC Bayern has come to nothing. The Munich club had the England international from Crystal Palace on their radar for a long time and, according to Sky, were in close contact with those close to him. Director of Sport Max Eberl deliberately opted for patience, as Guéhi’s contract expires in the summer and a transfer on a free transfer seemed possible.
However, this strategy did not work out. According to information from Sky, Manchester City have won the bid for Guéhi. The Citizens are said to have agreed a transfer fee of up to 30 million pounds with Crystal Palace, and there is also agreement with the player. The medical check is imminent and Bayern have been informed of the status of the deal. Despite renewed phone calls from Munich, the deal is practically off the table for the record champions.
City were playing poker at speed and responding to an acute need in defense, while Bayern were speculating on the summer. The balance of power tipped – with the familiar outcome.
Jacquet as a new luxury option?
FC Bayern is actually well-staffed in central defense. Behind Dayot Upamecano, whose contract extension is said to be imminent, and defensive boss Jonathan Tah, there are several options available in the form of Min-jae Kim, Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic. Nevertheless, those responsible are keeping an eye on the market – also in light of the fact that Kim’s future beyond the summer has not been fully clarified.
Should the South Korean re-evaluate his role after the season, the need could shift again. In this scenario, a player like Jacquet, who can be developed over the long term and is already performing at a high level, would fit the profile. However, it is also clear that a transfer of this magnitude would be a real statement and – at least in terms of the transfer fee – significantly more expensive than the Guéhi solution originally considered.