Highly rated Estonian forward Marten Chris-Paalberg is set to continue his career in France, with a move to one of the country’s most historic clubs, AS Saint-Étienne, now appearing imminent.
While the transfer has not yet been officially announced, French outlet Peuple Vert reports that it is only a matter of time before the deal is confirmed. Paalberg, who turned 17 in October, enjoyed a breakout year in Estonian football and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.
In his first full season of professional football, the young striker scored 15 league goals and added three assists in 25 appearances in the Premium Liiga for Pärnu JK Vaprus. His goal tally made him the second-highest scorer in the league, finishing behind Rauno Sappinen, who netted 21 times for champions FC Flora.
Paalberg’s rapid rise was capped by his senior international debut later in the season, and he has already earned three caps for the Estonia national football team. By the end of the campaign, it was clear that he would not remain in Pärnu, with strong interest coming from multiple countries – France among them.
Saint-Étienne represent a significant step up. One of the most decorated clubs in French football history, the Greens have won the French league title ten times, most recently in the 1980/81 season, and have lifted the Coupe de France on six occasions. Following relegation last season, the club are currently competing in Ligue 2, where they sit fourth in the table with 34 points from 20 matches, seven points behind leaders Troyes.
According to Peuple Vert, Saint-Étienne plan to integrate Paalberg gradually into the club structure. The initial stage of his development will see him feature with the club’s reserve side, which competes in France’s fifth tier. The approach is designed to ease the young forward’s adaptation to French football and life abroad, while allowing the club to manage his transition carefully.
