Liverpool signs 18‑year‑old Gillian Ngesan, to be loaned to Brest
The Saint-Étienne forward, 18, will spend the next several months on loan at Brest before a likely arrival at Anfield in the next transfer window.
Liverpool have moved to secure one of France's brightest young forwards, signing 18-year-old Gillian Ngesan from Saint-Étienne while arranging for him to spend the next several months on loan at Brest.
Loan plan aims to give first-team minutes
Regarded as one of the most promising prospects in French football, Ngesan attracted interest from a number of Europe's leading clubs before Liverpool made the most concrete approach. The club expect him to join the Anfield squad permanently most likely during the next transfer window.
Ngesan has made only 13 appearances for Saint-Étienne's first team and has scored one goal at senior level. The move is designed to accelerate his development by ensuring regular playing time in a competitive environment at Brest.
On the international stage, Ngesan was part of France's U20 squad at the last U20 World Cup, adding youth tournament experience to his profile as he steps up the club ladder.
Liverpool's strategy with young signings has often combined initial loans with gradual integration into the senior squad; the club will monitor Ngesan closely during his spell at Brest before deciding the timing of his arrival at Anfield.
Photo: Derek Harper / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
