How to earn 100 million in 15 minutes? Ask Rennes

Saudi club Al Hilal confirmed last night the transfer of Kader Meite, and shortly after, reports from England claimed that Liverpool had agreed a deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet in June transfer window. In two separate transfers involving teenagers developed by the club, Rennes have banked at least 90 million — and it could rise above 100 million euros. But that’s Rennes for you… a factory of both footballers and money. This is the club that produced Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Eduardo Camavinga, Mathys Tel…

Jeremy Jacquet (20) is a centre-back and this is his first proper season with Rennes’ senior team. A product of the club’s academy, he progressed through the youth ranks and the B team, got his first taste of senior football at 18 (four minutes against Nice), and was then sent out on loan for a year to second-division side Clermont to gain experience. He returned to Rennes’ first team last January and cemented his place in the starting XI when the club decided to reshuffle its centre-back line mid-season. After just half a season of Ligue 1 football, Leipzig, Crystal Palace, Inter, and Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr were already interested last June. But Rennes are a serious club and a tough negotiator that doesn’t jump at the first offer. They kept him, expecting his value to rise. And they were absolutely right.

After outstanding performances in the first half of this season, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and other giants made serious moves for Jacquet. However, Chelsea and Liverpool were the most persistent. Rennes knew what a gem they had and set the price above 60 million euros, aiming to break their transfer record — currently held by Jeremy Doku, whom Manchester City bought for 60 million. Chelsea bid 35 million, then 50 million euros, threatened to walk away and refused to be “held to ransom,” but Rennes stood firm. But the French club stayed cool and got exactly what they wanted. Liverpool’s offer of 60 million guaranteed plus 12 million in bonuses was accepted. On top of that, Jacquet will remain in Brittany on loan from the Reds. The player has also agreed to Liverpool’s personal terms, meaning Chelsea would need a minor miracle to derail the deal.

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About fifteen minutes earlier, Rennes had officially confirmed the sale of Kader Meite as well. For the young striker, this was his first season in senior football. He was promoted to the first team last June, played 19 matches, scored three goals, and attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and others. But while they were scouting and analyzing, Al Hilal submitted an offer that could not be refused: 30 million fixed, three million in bonuses, plus 10 percent of any future sale. In the space of roughly fifteen minutes, Rennes became more than 100 million euros richer thanks to two youngsters developed within their own academy.