A Low-Key Signing Quietly Announced — What Level Is It?

Official announcement: We have reached an agreement with Saint-Étienne to sign Nguessan. The French forward will officially join the team in January next year.

The 18-year-old will spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season on loan with Ligue 1 club Brest.

Nguessan is considered a second-tier young talent among this group of French U18 prospects. Standing around 180cm tall, he can play on the wing or through the middle. He has some ability in heading, crossing, and dribbling, with his main strength being cutting inside, taking one more step, and shooting.

Bought from Ligue 2 and loaned to Ligue 1, joining in January can help him develop into a homegrown player. Guesan was valued at 12.5m a year ago, and the club secured him for 5m by taking advantage of his contract situation. With Dans suffering from persistent injuries, securing an 18-year-old forward who can contribute immediately in advance is a good move.