---
title: "Paalberg extends Saint-Etienne contract until 2030"
date: 2026-11-10T19:32:15Z
lang: en
author: "Ivo"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/paalberg-extends-saint-etienne-contract-until-2030/
categories: ["Estonians abroad", "Transfers"]
---

# Paalberg extends Saint-Etienne contract until 2030
**Estonian international striker Marten-Chris Paalberg has signed a new contract with French club AS Saint-Etienne, extending his stay until the summer of 2030. The 18-year-old forward, who joined the club from Pärnu JK Vaprus earlier this year in a reported €1 million transfer, has committed his long-term future to the French side despite an injury-disrupted start to his career abroad.**

Paalberg joined Saint-Etienne in February 2026 after an impressive breakthrough season in Estonia, during which he scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 25 Premium Liiga appearances for Vaprus.

Born in Pärnu, the young striker progressed through Vaprus’s academy before making his top-flight debut at just 15 years old. His performances at club and youth international level also caught the attention of Estonia national team head coach Jürgen Henn, who handed him his senior international debut in October 2025.

After arriving in France, Paalberg was immediately integrated into first-team training sessions. However, a knee injury disrupted his development and delayed his first appearances for the club.

The Estonian forward made his first appearance in a Saint-Etienne shirt during an October friendly against Swiss side Sion and has since featured for the club’s reserve team in National 2 and the Challenge Espoirs. Although he has yet to make his competitive first-team debut, he continues to train regularly with the senior squad.

“I’m really happy here at this great club and grateful for the trust Saint-Etienne have shown in me,” Paalberg said after signing his new contract.

“I’m enjoying discovering French football and adapting to a new country. I feel well integrated, both on and off the pitch, and I’m fully determined to continue improving and contribute to the club’s long-term ambitions. I’m looking forward to continuing this chapter.”

Saint-Etienne sporting director Loïc Perrin praised the Estonian striker’s potential and explained why the club had decided to extend his contract.

“Marten has the profile of a modern striker. He has interesting physical qualities and a good understanding of the game. He’s a goalscorer who is accurate in front of goal,” Perrin said.

“He needs playing time to regain his rhythm after returning to action. In training, we see a young player who wants to learn and improve, and we want to support him so he can fulfil his potential.”

Paalberg, who was recently called up to Estonia’s senior national team for the November international window, will now look to establish himself in French football as Saint-Etienne push for promotion to Ligue 1.

After 12 rounds, the historic French club sit top of Ligue 2, holding a three-point advantage over their nearest challengers.

**Source:** [https://www.asse.fr/fr/actualites/marten-paalberg-prolonge-jusqu-en-2030-ac41370](https://www.asse.fr/fr/actualites/marten-paalberg-prolonge-jusqu-en-2030-ac41370)