Christophe Dugarry says there is ‘no justification’ for Liverpool to spend so much on an unproven player
Former French striker Christophe Dugarry described Liverpool as “idiots” for spending £60 million to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
The French Under-21 international’s move to Anfield was confirmed last night and he will spend the remainder of the current Ligue 1 season at Rennes before joining Liverpool this summer.
Jacquet made just 36 appearances in the French top flight, but that did not deter Liverpool, who beat off competition from Chelsea to get them to the Premier League.
Dugarry is delighted that Rennes managed to secure such a large sum, but questioned Liverpool’s thinking.
He said RMC Sport: “It’s not to offend the player, honestly, it’s not his fault at all and we wish him the best because he’s a good player. But when you have assholes like that… well done to Rennes.
“Rennes managed to find a pigeon like Liverpool who was [willing to pay] €70m (£60m).
The deal for Jacquet, 20, was one of the biggest in a January window which, while less frivolous than previous years, once again saw the Premier League outspend its European rivals.
And it’s not healthy, according to Dugarry, winner of the 1998 World Cup, who added: “Let them continue, all these English clubs, to send tens of millions of euros. It’s no longer just two-speed football, it’s football that has lost its mind.”
“Let’s stop trying to pretend there’s a justification for this. There’s no justification. I don’t know what’s going on. It’s ridiculous! No, it’s not about supply and demand. It’s ridiculous! It’s ridiculous!”
“The pressure will be on Jacquet at Liverpool”
Dugarry fears the fee could pose a problem for Jacquet when he appears for Liverpool in pre-season.
“Poor Jacquet, this transfer will put a lot of pressure on him,” added the former Barcelona, AC Milan and Birmingham star.
“The poor kid, who is certainly a very good player, will come in with so much pressure. His performance will be perceived differently, even if he doesn’t deserve it.
“Those of us who know football, let’s not try to justify this amount by saying it’s because Liverpool have money or whatever. That makes no sense!”
