Liverpool add Saint-Etienne teenager Djylian NGuessan to long-term plans

Liverpool have officially announced the signing of French defender Djylian NGuessan from Saint-Etienne, with the 18-year-old due to join the club in January as part of their continued investment in emerging talent.

NGuessan will remain on loan with Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois before beginning his Liverpool career, the Premier League club confirmed on their official website.

The teenager came through Saint-Etienne’s academy before making his first-team debut in January 2025. Since then, he has made 13 appearances for the French club and scored once.

His progress has also been recognised at international level. NGuessan represented France at last year’s Under-20 World Cup in Chile, helping his country finish fourth in the tournament.

The defender also impressed at the European Under-17 Championship last summer, scoring four goals. His performances earned him a place in the competition’s team of the tournament and further strengthened his reputation as one of France’s leading young prospects.

Liverpool’s decision to recruit NGuessan forms part of a broader strategy to develop young players while ensuring they have the opportunity to continue gaining experience before moving into English football.

The club have opted to leave him with Stade Brestois for the time being, allowing the defender to continue his development in France ahead of his move to Anfield in January.

NGuessan’s route into senior football began within the Saint-Etienne system, where he progressed through the club’s youth teams before being introduced to first-team competition. His 13 appearances and one goal since January 2025 marked the next stage of that development.

His performances for France have added to the interest surrounding him. At the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, he played a part in a campaign that ended with France finishing fourth. Earlier, at the European Under-17 Championship, his four goals helped him secure selection in the tournament’s best XI.

Liverpool’s agreement therefore combines a move for a player already exposed to senior football with a further period of development in France. The club will not have NGuessan immediately available, but the arrangement gives him time to continue his progress with Stade Brestois before he joins the English side.

The signing reflects Liverpool’s focus on identifying and securing promising young players, while using a loan spell to support their transition towards a higher level of competition. NGuessan is expected to become part of the club’s plans from January, after completing his current period with the French top-flight side.