Liverpool Signs Djylian N’Guessan for 2027 Amid Transfer Drama
Liverpool’s late-window juggling act took another twist as Fabrizio Romano delivered a trademark “here we go” on teenage Saint-Etienne forward Djylian N’Guessan – while the futures of Cody Gakpo and Ismaila Sarr hang in the balance.
Liverpool lock in N’Guessan for 2027
Liverpool’s recruitment team is fighting on two timelines at once. One eye on Tuesday’s deadline. The other fixed firmly on 2027.
Romano confirmed that the Reds have reached an agreement with Saint-Etienne to sign 18-year-old attacker N’Guessan, with the French youngster set to arrive at Anfield in the summer of 2027 after spending another season with ASSE.
“Liverpool agree deal to sign Djylian N’Guessan from Saint Etienne, here we go!” Romano posted on X, adding that the move is “done also player side” and that Liverpool have already received authorization for the medical.
He described N’Guessan as another signing “for future” following the capture of Lucca Brughmans.
The deal had first been flagged by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who reported “advanced negotiations” between AS Saint-Etienne and Liverpool and “last details to settle” over the transfer. Aouna underlined that Saint-Etienne have “made no secret” that the door is open for their young star, whose contract runs until 2027, and that talks with Liverpool were in the decisive stages.
For Liverpool, N’Guessan’s arrival is not expected to alter their approach in the frantic final hours of this window. It does, however, underline a clear strategy: stack the pathway with high-upside forwards while the senior squad is reshaped on the fly.
Barcola in, Gakpo out?
The short-term picture is far more volatile.
Bradley Barcola has already passed his medical and is poised to complete a high-profile move from PSG, a signing that is set to trigger a major outgoing: Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, stated that “the agreement is done” between Gakpo and City on personal terms, with the Premier League champions having sent an £85m bid to Liverpool. Gakpo has opted for a switch to the Etihad over a proposed £85m move to Tottenham.
There is a catch. Liverpool will only green-light Gakpo’s exit if they land a right winger before the deadline. No replacement, no sale. The whole saga has become a classic deadline-day domino.
Sarr tops winger shortlist as Palace dig in
So who unlocks the chain? At this stage, all roads lead to Ismaila Sarr.
Romano says Sarr is “the favourite candidate” ahead of Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh as Liverpool scour the market for a right-sided forward. Liverpool have already tested Crystal Palace’s resolve with a substantial offer – and been knocked back.
According to Romano, the Reds sent a written bid worth £45m plus £5m in add-ons, a £50m package that Palace flatly rejected. He stressed he can “guarantee 100%” that it was an official bid, not just a verbal enquiry, despite the initial lack of media links between Sarr and Liverpool.
Palace, for now, are “still saying no to Sarr’s exit” while simultaneously exploring their own winger options in case an acceptable proposal lands. Sarr, Romano adds, wants the move. The Senegal international is keen on joining Liverpool, but the decision now rests squarely with the two clubs.
All of this unfolds against a backdrop of relentless agent activity. With Liverpool’s need for a winger clear, Romano says the club “are being offered wingers every minute” as intermediaries sense opportunity and try to force late deals.
N’Guessan is locked in for the future. Barcola is on the way. Gakpo is ready to walk if Liverpool can prise Sarr from Palace.
The clock is ticking. Which domino falls first?
