Florentino Pérez has long since changed the way Real Madrid operates in the market. They no longer go after big-name stars with huge sums of money up front. The plan is now clear: sign young players with potential and at a low cost, or proven footballers whose contracts are expiring and who can arrive for free.
In recent hours, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed an unexpected target for Madrid in the current market. He has been recommended by Kylian Mbappé and approved by Xabi Alonso, who is looking for a player in his position. Specifically, we're talking about Jérémy Jacquet, a 20-year-old center-back who currently plays for Stade Rennes and is valued at €10 million.
Tavolieri said on Twitter: "Al-Hilal football club has set its sights on Jérémy Jacquet, as an under-21 center-back to recruit as a priority this summer... with a potentially high salary on offer".
He didn't stop there, adding: "The Saudi club has made contact with the player's camp but NOTHING indicates so far that Jacquet, who is on the radar of Real Madrid and Arsenal, is willing to move to the Saudi Pro League".
Recommended by Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid is closely following Jérémy Jacquet, a right-footed center-back who is just 20 years old and plays for Stade Rennes. He has become one of the great prospects in French soccer. Born in Bondy, the same town where Kylian Mbappé grew up, the defender has attracted attention not only for his talent but also because it was Real Madrid's own forward who recommended his signing to Xabi Alonso.
Jérémy Jacquet is a center-back with potential, solid in one-on-one situations, quick to intercept, and with good ability to play the ball out from the back. His maturity in defense is surprising despite his youth... meanwhile, in France, he's already being pointed out as one of the heirs of the new generation of defenders who could dominate Europe in the coming years.
Mbappé believes that Jérémy Jacquet would fit perfectly with Huijsen, another young defender Xabi Alonso wants to give a leading role to in the near future. Real Madrid is looking to strengthen its backline with young talent and international potential, and the Frenchman meets all those requirements.
Although for now there's no open negotiation with Rennes, the Madrid board values its star's recommendation very highly. The connection between Bondy and Santiago Bernabéu could become a reality, with Jérémy Jacquet taking a step up in his career and strengthening Real Madrid's defensive future.