Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement to sign highly-rated French forward Djylian N’Guessan from Saint-Etienne, with the teenager set to officially join the Premier League club on a permanent transfer in January 2027.
The move represents another investment in Liverpool’s long-term recruitment strategy, with the Reds continuing to identify and secure some of Europe’s most promising young talents.
Liverpool Agree Deal for N’Guessan
N’Guessan, 18, has emerged as one of the exciting young forwards in French football and has attracted attention with his performances at both club and international level.
Liverpool have now agreed a deal with Saint-Etienne for the attacker, although he will not immediately become part of Arne Slot’s first-team squad at Anfield.
Instead, N’Guessan is expected to continue his development in France before making the permanent move to Liverpool in January 2027.
Reports indicate that the forward will spend the first part of the 2026/27 season on loan with Stade Brestois, giving him the opportunity to gain valuable regular experience in Ligue 1.
That arrangement could prove particularly beneficial for a player at this stage of his career, allowing N’Guessan to compete against established professionals while continuing his development before Liverpool assess his progress.
Impressive Record at Youth Level
N’Guessan has already built an impressive reputation through his performances for France’s youth teams.
The forward featured prominently for France at the 2025 Under-20 World Cup, making seven appearances during the tournament. His performances also earned him recognition at the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he was selected in the Team of the Tournament after scoring four goals.
His development at Saint-Etienne has also seen him make the step into senior football. Although his first-team experience remains limited, his performances have been enough to convince Liverpool that he possesses the potential to develop into an important attacker in the future.
The French forward has made 13 senior appearances for Saint-Etienne, scoring once.
Liverpool Planning for the Future
Liverpool’s decision to secure N’Guessan is another indication of the club’s focus on building for the future while maintaining a pathway for emerging talent.
Rather than expecting the teenager to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, the Reds appear to be taking a patient approach to his development.
His proposed loan spell at Brest should provide N’Guessan with an important period of first-team football before he officially joins Liverpool.
For Liverpool, the deal could prove to be a relatively low-risk investment with considerable potential upside if the youngster fulfils his promise.
The Reds have increasingly looked to combine established first-team signings with younger players who can develop within the club’s system. N’Guessan fits that strategy, particularly given his age, international experience and potential.
When Will N’Guessan Join Liverpool?
Although Liverpool have agreed the transfer with Saint-Etienne, N’Guessan is not expected to arrive at Anfield immediately.
The permanent transfer is scheduled for January 2027, while his loan move to Brest should allow him to continue gaining valuable senior experience in Ligue 1.
Liverpool supporters will therefore have to wait before seeing the young French forward in a Reds shirt.
However, the agreement underlines the club’s belief in N’Guessan’s potential and could prove to be another important piece of Liverpool’s long-term recruitment plans.
If the teenager continues his development over the coming months, Liverpool could eventually have another exciting attacking option on their hands.