Liverpool Signs Djylian N’Guessan for 2027

Liverpool have moved again for the future, and this time the “here we go” carries a long echo.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the club have struck a deal to sign Saint-Etienne forward Djylian N’Guessan, with the 18-year-old Frenchman set to arrive at Anfield in the summer of 2027 after staying one more season in Ligue 2.

It is a classic Liverpool play: buy tomorrow while trying to win today.

Liverpool land N’Guessan for 2027

The first hint dropped when Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna revealed that Liverpool and Saint-Etienne were in “advanced negotiations” over N’Guessan, whose contract with ASSE runs until 2027. The French club have long accepted that their young star would eventually move on; the question was when and to whom.

Aouna reported that Liverpool see N’Guessan as a major prospect, capable of operating both on the wings and through the middle. Talks accelerated quickly, with only “last details to settle” as the deadline approached.

Then came the confirmation. Romano announced that Liverpool had an agreement in place with Saint-Etienne and the player, with the club receiving authorization to conduct a medical. N’Guessan will remain in France for another campaign before joining Liverpool in 2027, following the recent deal for Lucca Brughmans as another investment in the next generation.

This is not a move for the current title race. It is one for the next cycle.

Gakpo, City and the £85m question

While Liverpool secure the long term, the present hangs on Cody Gakpo.

Romano revealed that Gakpo has already agreed personal terms with Manchester City, with a contract understood to be fully in place. City have sent an £85m bid to Liverpool, a fee that would represent a huge profit and a significant reshaping of the forward line.

Liverpool’s stance is clear: they will only accept if a replacement arrives before the deadline. No winger, no sale. The entire situation now resembles a late-window domino line, with Gakpo at the centre.

The club know exactly what that £85m could do for their rebuild. They also know what losing a versatile forward without a ready-made successor could cost them in the months ahead.

Sarr emerges as the key piece

The name at the top of Liverpool’s list is Ismaila Sarr.

Romano explained that the Crystal Palace winger is currently the “favourite” option, ahead of Yankuba Minteh. Liverpool have already tested Palace’s resolve with a written offer worth £45m plus £5m in add-ons – a £50m package that was rejected.

Palace, for now, are standing firm. They are saying no to Sarr’s exit while quietly scanning the market themselves in case an irresistible proposal lands. Liverpool’s bid has forced them to think, but not yet to sell.

Sarr, though, wants the move. He wants Liverpool. His desire is not the issue; the gap between what Palace demand and what Liverpool are prepared to pay is.

Behind the scenes, Liverpool are being inundated with winger proposals. Agents and clubs know the situation: Liverpool need a wide player, and they may soon have Gakpo money to spend. Every phone in every recruitment office is ringing.

A club split between now and next

So the picture is layered.

On one side, an 18-year-old in Djylian N’Guessan, locked in for 2027, another carefully chosen piece of Liverpool’s long-term planning. On the other, an £85m offer for Cody Gakpo, a rejected £50m bid for Ismaila Sarr, and a race against the clock to decide how bold they are willing to be in this window.

Liverpool have committed to the future. The real drama is whether they are ready to tear up part of the present to fund it.