Ligue 2 Talents Could be on the Move in 2026

With the winter transfer window now open, many of the best young players in Ligue 2 will be targets for bigger clubs in Europe.
They will cost a premium considering their clubs would be extremely reluctant to lose them, but that has never previously stopped Europe’s heavyweights from shopping in Ligue 2.
Here are three players who could make a big-money move from the second tier in France.

Lucas Stassin – Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin is one of Ligue 2’s most sought-after players, and he may get a big move to the top flight in 2026.
The Belgian striker joined Saint-Etienne from KVC Westerlo in 2024. It took him a while to settle into life in France, but he eventually started to impress.
Stassin developed into a reliable goalscorer for Saint-Etienne, ending the season with 12 goals and five assists in Ligue 1. However, it wasn’t enough to save Les Verts from relegation as they were undone by a leaky backline that conceded 77 goals across the campaign.
His form attracted inevitable interest from clubs in France and England. However, Saint-Etienne were able to keep hold of him last summer. They priced suitors out of a deal for Stassin, but interested clubs could return for him in the winter transfer window.

Gessime Yassine – USL Dunkerque

Gessime Yassine is one of the most talked-about young players in French football. Fresh from winning the Under-20 World Cup with Morocco, the USL Dunkerque winger has enjoyed a breakthrough season that has pushed him firmly into the spotlight.
Yassine has helped Dunkerque become a popular pick on online betting platforms. Sports betting site Melbet Maroc offers odds on Ligue 2, and punters have wagered on them winning promotion.
The Moroccan is one of the key players in Dunkerque’s promotion bid, and his influence has helped to drive betting interest in the club. Yassine is the joint top assist provider in Ligue 2 and has caught the eye with several impressive performances. One of them came in the Coupe de France clash with RC Strasbourg.
The Moroccan talent is now attracting interest from several top clubs and could soon earn a big move, with scouts believing he has outgrown Ligue 2 football. AS Monaco and Strasbourg are among the clubs interested in luring him to the French top flight. They could make a move for him during the winter transfer window.
Several clubs abroad are also monitoring the forward’s situation. Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen, Villarreal and clubs linked to the Red Bull football group are showing interest.
Dunkerque are already preparing for life without Yassine. His contract runs until 2027, and they could recoup up to €6 million by selling him.

Djylian N’Guessan – Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne could be gearing up for a busy transfer window with talented teenager Djylian N’Guessan also attracting interest from several top clubs abroad.
Premier League giants Chelsea are one of several teams showing interest. They are keen to get a deal done in the winter transfer window. However, Saint-Etienne are reluctant to lose N’Guessan, who has been hailed as one of the most exciting young attackers in France. They have repelled Chelsea’s interest.
The Blues tabled an €8m bid for the 17-year-old, but it was rejected. Despite dropping into Ligue 2, Saint-Etienne have been determined to protect their top talents and avoid a fire sale.
Backed by owners Kilmer Sports Ventures, the club has already resisted interest in key players such as Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili. But N’Guessan could be more difficult to keep.
The France Under-20 international is attracting serious attention from England, and relations between his family and the club have deteriorated in recent months.
Chelsea have not thrown in the towel. They believe they could strike a deal worth around €12.5m, although they have to move fast with other clubs also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Brentford are keeping a close eye on the teenager. They could swoop if Chelsea fail to agree a deal with Saint-Etienne.