Djylian N’Guessan is set to become Liverpool’s latest statement signing for the academy when the young French attacker officially becomes a Red in January. 

However, before then, the teenager will spend the season on loan at Brest in France, having completed the move from AS Saint-Étienne during the final days of the summer transfer window. 

Despite being a relatively unproven talent, Head of Global Scouting Matt Newberry and the others in the academy transfer team at Liverpool saw fit to make N’Guessan a part of the recent youth recruitment drive.

To find out more about what we can expect, Dan spoke to AS Saint-Étienne fan, French chess grandmaster, actor and respected voice, Fabien Libiszewski…

Nobody Is Talking About This Liverpool Tactic.

How would you describe him as a player? “Mobile. Quite technical and composed under pressure.”

Was there a specific moment when people started to recognise his talent and what he could become? “He performed well in the youth teams, both at Saint-Étienne and with the French national team. The academy coaches have always been very complimentary of him.”

He has played for the first team; how has he coped? “Not bad, but not decisive. In his defence, it’s worth remembering he was extremely young—just 16 years old—and was joining the first-team squad in the top flight during the 2024/25 season, playing for a struggling side fighting to avoid relegation. Even if, in my eyes, that wasn’t the board’s top priority, they relied heavily on youth that season instead of bringing in a few seasoned players who could have helped the team stay up. Instead, the club was relegated to the second division and remains there today. Last year, he was frequently injured, and perhaps the club no longer counted on him since he hadn’t extended his contract. It was surprising to me to see him feature for the first team in Ligue 1, but not at all in Ligue 2 the following year when he was a year older…”

Is there a player you would compare him to? “I’m not sure, but he fits the profile of a modern forward: versatile across the entire frontline, mobile, technical, and skilful.”

Bournemouth v Liverpool | Andoni Iraola Premier League Pre-Match Press Conference

What are your thoughts on his move to Liverpool, and particularly the decision to loan him to Brest first? “It’s a good move for him; he needs game time. He didn’t play for the first team last season, so he needs to gain experience and build confidence. There is too much competition at Liverpool, so starting with a loan at Brest can only be a positive step. Right now, he isn’t at Liverpool’s level, but it’s a bet on the future; he will develop and become a very intriguing player.”

Finally, how high is his ceiling? How much potential does he have? “I don’t know—we can’t predict the future—but he plays for the French youth national team, so he has the potential to become a world-class player if everything goes well for him.”