Liverpool sign French teen N'Guessan ahead of January loan as they chase first win under talent chief Matt Newberry

Liverpool have secured the services of 18‑year‑old French forward Djylian N'Guessan on a pre‑contract from Saint‑Étienne, agreeing to pay around £4.3 million. The youth international will spend the first half of the season on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Brest before joining the Reds in January.

The announcement, reported by LEWIS STEELE of FOOTBALL on 4 September 2026, confirmed the deal.

Liverpool’s recruitment drive this summer has focused on bolstering attacking options as the club searches for its first win of the new season. Adding a proven goal‑scorer from the French youth set‑up aligns with the Reds’ strategy of nurturing talent rather than splashing big money.

Deal and loan structure

Under the agreement, N'Guessan will remain at Stade Brest in Ligue 1 for the first half of the campaign, gaining top‑flight experience before reporting to Anfield in January. Liverpool will reassess his situation at the turn of the year and may arrange a further loan if required.

The Merseyside side will pay around £4.3 million to Saint‑Étienne for the 18‑year‑old, with the fee reflecting his status as a France youth international. The pre‑contract ensures the player joins the first‑team squad once the loan expires.

N'Guessan attracted attention at the Under‑17 Euros in Albania, where he earned a place in the tournament’s best‑XI. His performances for France’s youth sides have marked him as one of the most promising forwards of his age group.

The signing adds to a list of recent acquisitions overseen by head of global talent Matt Newberry, including Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Armin Pesci, Samuel Martinez and Luca Brughmans. The club has also pursued first‑team targets such as Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool’s next test arrives this evening at Portman Road, where they face Ipswich in pursuit of their first victory of the season. The match will provide a benchmark for the squad’s progress ahead of N'Guessan’s arrival.

If the January integration proceeds smoothly, N'Guessan could be available for the second half of the campaign, offering depth on the wings and in attack. Any further loan decision will be taken after his initial spell in France, keeping his development under close review.