ASSE’s silent signing: 18‑year‑old Cameroonian striker joins the Verts
Under the floodlights of the Stade Geoffroy‑Guichard, a lone scout watches as a young striker steps off a modest bus, his bag slung over his shoulder. AS Saint‑Étienne has quietly completed the signing of 18‑year‑old Cameroonian forward André Zibi from Oyili FC. The move adds another layer to the club’s multi‑market recruitment drive.
Quiet addition to the Verts
The Verts confirmed that Zibi, an international of the 2008 generation, will join the club after his training side announced the departure. He arrives from Oyili FC, a club that highlighted his exit toward Saint‑Étienne. The youngster is already involved with Cameroon’s youth national teams.
Il a participé à la CAN U17 2026, disputing three matches and scoring once before moving up to the U20 level. His experience at the continental tournament demonstrates his capacity to perform on bigger stages. The forward’s profile includes a goal at the CAN U17 competition.
According to Poteaux Carrés, clubs such as Nantes, Lille and Nice showed interest in Zibi during recent weeks, but ASSE proved the most convincing. The club’s ability to out‑bid rivals underscores its growing pull on emerging talent. This interest reflects the player’s rising reputation across French football.
Strategic youth recruitment
The signing illustrates a less visible strategy of Kilmer Sports Ventures, the investment group behind the club’s recent spending on Ian Cathro’s squad. Saint‑Étienne continues to multiply its recruitment of young profiles destined to finish their formation in the Forez region.
Zibi joins a series of recent bets on players still distant from professional level, highlighting the club’s long‑term planning. While the announcement came before an official club statement, the move signals a commitment to nurturing future talent.
Nothing guarantees a rapid first‑team debut; the player arrives primarily for post‑formation development. At the time of his Cameroonian club’s announcement, ASSE had not yet issued a formal confirmation. The immediate impact on the senior side therefore remains uncertain.
With his international status and the competition beaten to secure his signature, Zibi’s evolution will now be closely monitored in L’Étrat. Observers will watch his progress as he integrates into the Verts’ youth setup, hoping the quiet acquisition yields future dividends.