Aston Villa have completed the major signing of Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand from Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice, marking a significant boost to their attacking firepower ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.
Transfer & Contract Details
- The forward arrives on a five-year deal, though the exact contract length remains undisclosed by the club.
- Reports suggest the fee stands at around €35 million (£30–30.5 million), potentially rising slightly with add-ons.
Player Profile & Background
Born in Ajaccio, Corsica, Guessand progressed through Nice’s youth academy, making his senior debut in 2020. After loan spells at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes, he returned to shine under Franck Haise in the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season.
In his standout season, Guessand notched 12 goals and 9 assists in 33 league matches, earning the title of Nice’s Player of the Season.
What Guessand Brings to Villa
- Versatility: Equally comfortable on the right wing, as a central striker, or operating on the left flank, Guessand offers tactical flexibility to manager Unai Emery.
- Physicality and Movement: Standing tall with a powerful frame, he’s been compared to Didier Drogba for his strength and has demonstrated intelligent off-the-ball movement.
- Creative Danger: With high expected metrics—12 goals from 9.18 xG, top percentile duels won, and dribbles—he’s a proven contributor in both scoring and build-up play.
Club Ambitions & Reception
Villa view Guessand as both an immediate impact player and a long-term asset. He was reportedly favoured Villa over other suitors like Crystal Palace and a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia—thanks in large part to Emery’s reputation for player development.
Unai Emery’s squad had seen key loanees such as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio depart, leaving a gap that Guessand is expected to fill. His signing aligns with the club’s ambition to strengthen before entering both Premier League and Europa League competition.
Looking Ahead
- Guessand is expected to debut in Villa’s Premier League opener against Newcastle on August 16, with pre-season friendlies offering a chance to integrate early.
- At 24 years old, he adds youthful dynamism and goal threat—qualities that fit perfectly with Emery’s aggressive, fluid attacking philosophy.
In Summary
Aston Villa have landed a high-potential, multi-faceted forward in Evann Guessand—one whose athletic prowess, versatility, and creative output could make him a defining figure for the club’s ambitions this season and beyond. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of his career stats, style comparisons, or early forecast in the Premier League lineup.
