Editor’s Note
AS Saint-Étienne continues its strategic squad building with the acquisition of a promising young attacker from Estonia, highlighting the club’s focus on securing talent with international experience for the future.
AS Saint-Étienne continues to build for the future through the transfer market with method and flair. The Greens have just placed a bet on a young offensive talent already seasoned at the highest international level.
At just 17 years old, Marten-Chris Paalberg is about to settle in the Forez region. According to Peuple-Vert, the Estonian striker will leave Pärnu Vaprus to join ASSE this winter, despite a contract running until 2028. A three-time senior international, Paalberg is not a blind gamble.
With 15 goals in 25 Estonian top-flight matches in 2025, he boasts statistics that do not go unnoticed, even far from the French spotlight. In Saint-Étienne, there is no rush. The staff has planned a gradual integration, with an initial stint in the reserve team to polish the rough diamond.
Before dreaming of the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, Paalberg will have to clear the steps. But at AS Saint-Etienne, they know that a well-nurtured talent can quickly become obvious… and sometimes a phenomenon.