The transfer of Estonia national team forward Marten-Chris Paalberg from Pärnu JK Vaprus to French second-tier club Saint-Étienne has now been officially confirmed. The 17-year-old has signed a contract with his new club running until 2028.
Paaberg enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season last year. Representing Vaprus in Estonia’s top division, the Premium Liiga, he scored 15 goals in 25 matches and capped his rise by making his debut for the Estonia senior national team toward the end of the year.
“It is a great honor to join such a historic club as Saint-Étienne,” Paalberg said in a club statement. “I have dreamed of playing abroad since I was a small boy, and now I can’t wait to start working here. What matters most is developing and learning how to cope with top-level football. I’m really looking forward to putting on the green shirt, meeting the fans, and giving my best every day to help the club achieve its goals.”
Saint-Étienne sporting director Loïc Perrin emphasized patience and long-term development when discussing the young striker.
“He is not yet physically a finished player, but for his age Marten-Chris already has notable qualities,” Perrin said. “In Estonia he was ready to play at the top level and is already accustomed to scoring goals. He is a forward who works for the team, contributes defensively, and shows strong effort. That mindset fits our squad well. He still has steps to take, but we will give him time and support him along the way.”
According to French outlet Peuple-Vert, Saint-Étienne have a clearly defined plan for Paalberg’s integration. His initial appearances are expected to come with the club’s reserve side, allowing him time to adapt to French football and a new environment. The club intends to develop him carefully, with the medium-term objective of turning him into a first-team striker rather than rushing his progression.
Saint-Étienne remain one of the most decorated clubs in French football history, having won the French championship 10 times – most recently in 1981 – and lifted the French Cup on six occasions, last doing so in 1977. In 1976, the club reached the European Cup final where they lost to Bayern.
At present, Saint-Étienne’s first team sits fifth in Ligue 2, seven points behind league leaders Troyes. The reserve team competes in the fifth tier of the French league system, where Paalberg is expected to begin his adaptation to football in France.
Source: https://www.asse.fr/fr/actualites/marten-chris-paalberg-rejoint-l-asse-ac40006
