London
Liverpool have agreed to sign French forward Djylian N’Guessan from Saint-Étienne, with the 18-year-old set to complete a permanent move to Anfield in January.
N’Guessan will initially join Ligue 1 side Brest on loan for the first half of the season. Liverpool will then decide in January whether to keep him in France, bring him to Anfield or send him elsewhere on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
The timing could also work in the teenager’s favour. Fabian Mrozek’s loan spell at FC Cincinnati will have ended by January, creating an available loan place, while N’Guessan would also be eligible for a UK work permit.
The forward developed through Saint-Étienne’s academy and made 13 senior appearances after making his debut in January 2025. He scored once and became the second-youngest player to represent the French club.
N’Guessan has also impressed internationally. He featured in all seven of France’s matches at the 2025 U20 World Cup, where they finished fourth. He was previously selected in the Team of the Tournament at the 2025 U17 European Championship after scoring four goals.
His youth record has been equally impressive, with 12 goals in 14 appearances for France’s Under-16s and 11 in 11 at Under-17 level.
The move continues Liverpool’s strategy of recruiting promising young players. The club has recently signed youngsters including Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Armin Pesci, Samuel Martinez and Lucca Brughmans.
Liverpool have also submitted their 25-man Premier League squad for the opening phase of 2026-27.