William Saliba, a future with the Verts

His recent performances against Bordeaux then Reims have drawn attention. They testify to a talent honed with AS Saint-Étienne, where he has completed all his training since 2016. This Tuesday, William Saliba prolonged his 2-year contract with the club that trained him for which he is now committed until 2023. A sign of confidence in the qualities of the young man of 18 years of age whose performances reflect an irreproachable mindset. The extension of his contract also proves the club’s ambition. 

William Saliba began his Ligue 1 career September 25, 2018, with a victory in Toulouse (3-2). Today he has 12 elite matches under his belt. Over the course of the 9 matches he played as a starting player, 4 of which took place during the last 6 days of the championship, the native of Bondy demonstrated his impressive maturity. Calm and concentrated, the defender has moreover only received one yellow card since the beginning of his professional career. After 10 Ligue 1 matches, the Stéphanois already had great statistics and the second best track record in the 5 great European championships for interceptions.

William Saliba’s ascent with the Verts has also translated into 22 selections for the different France youth teams. On March 20, a few days before his 18th birthday, he celebrated his first selection by the France under-20 national football team, the category where he was outclassed twice. The Bleuets dominated Argentinia (1-0) at the end of a preparation match for the U20 World Cup, scheduled from May 23 – June 15 in Poland, and for which the Stéphanois will claim a place among the summoned players.

Even if he already resembles an experienced high-level player, William Saliba is still one of the young 18-year old Espoirs. This season, he contributed to the epic of the U19 in the Coupe Gambardella. Having qualified for the finale, the young Verts will attempt to win the trophy at the expense of Toulouse, this Saturday, in the mythical setting of the Stade de France.

By extending his two-year contract, William Saliba, one of the stars of the Stéphanois team, has now fully committed to the sports project of the club.

> William Saliba: "I’m very happy to prolong my adventure with ASSE, the club that trained me. I thank all my trainers and all the people who have contributed to my development in the club. Since the beginning of the season, I have had the chance to train every day with a quality team and staff, which allows me to progress quickly. I want to remain concentrated, keep a good head on my shoulders, and continue to work. I still haven’t done anything and I have everything to prove. The end of the season will be exciting and I’m looking forward to it.

> Frédéric Paquet (General Manager of ASSE): “It’s very satisfying to see William Saliba extend his contract with AS Saint-Étienne. He embodies the success of our training policy. Despite his young age, William is a calm boy who knows what he wants. He clearly expressed his desire to continue his progress in a club to which he is very attached. All conditions have been met in Saint-Étienne so that he can reach his full potential. He is surrounded by a coach that understands the highest level of Football, Jean-Louis Gasset, a competent and attentive staff but also by international players that bring him all their experience.”