Liverpool have not announced their £6.4 million signing of Djylian N’Guessan, despite agreeing a deal with Saint-Etienne, due to Premier League red tape.
N’Guessan was confirmed to join Ligue 1 side Brest on loan on Thursday, three days after undergoing a medical with Liverpool.
The 18-year-old striker is set to complete a £6.4 million move to Merseyside in 2027, but as it stands the club have not announced his move.
In fact, Saint-Etienne revealed that N’Guessan has signed a new two-year contract before joining Brest on a temporary basis.
This Is Anfield understands Liverpool will officially sign the forward in January, when a decision will be made whether to keep him at Brest for the remainder of the season or bring him straight in.
Why Liverpool have delayed Djylian N’Guessan transfer
Liverpool FC unveil new signing Lucca Brughmans at AXA Training Centre on September 02, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool FC unveil new signing Lucca Brughmans at AXA Training Centre on September 02, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
A delay in the deal comes largely due to restrictions on Premier League clubs loaning players overseas, with a maximum of six permitted.
With Harvey Elliott joining Valencia on deadline day and goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans staying on loan at Genk after his £30 million move was finalised, Liverpool’s full quota was met.
Those followed previous deals for Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Levante), Armin Pecsi (TSV Hartberg), Calvin Ramsay (St Mirren) and Amara Nallo (HJK Helsinki).
Liverpool could opt to cut the loans for either Brughmans or Ndukwe – or both – short in January, which would allow N’Guessan to spend the campaign with Brest.
For now, the teenager will be closely monitored as he looks to continue his development in the top tier of French football.
N’Guessan, who only turned 18 at the end of August, only has 13 games’ first-team experience so far with Saint-Etienne: eight in Ligue 1, four in Ligue 2 and one in the Coupe de France.
The latter saw him score his first and, so far, only senior goal, while he has proved more prolific at U19s and reserve team level.
He can be expected to initially join Liverpool’s U21s when he eventually makes the move, and could find himself competing with the likes of Jayden Danns, Will Wright and Josh Sonni-Lambie for first-team exposure.
Frimpong, Szoboszlai collage
Frimpong, Szoboszlai collage
Football – FA Premier League – Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
gomezleonichiesa