Aston Villa lands Guessand, who jumps aboard following successful transfer negotiations
Aston Villa Bolster Attack with Signing of Evann Guessand
Aston Villa have strengthened their squad for the new Premier League season with the signing of Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice. The 24-year-old forward will join the club for an initial fee of £26 million ($35 million), with additional £4.3 million in add-ons, according to reports.
Guessand had a standout 2024/25 season with Nice, scoring 12 goals and helping the team finish fourth in Ligue 1. His performances earned him the club’s Player of the Season award. He is a versatile forward capable of playing across multiple attacking positions and has represented the Ivory Coast national team nine times, scoring one goal.
The transfer marks Guessand's move to the English Premier League and he has expressed great excitement about joining Aston Villa. In an interview, he stated, "When I heard the club wanted me I didn't think twice. I'm ready to give my all. Every game, every kick, every minute."
Aston Villa coach Unai Emery is expected to benefit from Guessand's addition to the team. The Spaniard has been active in the transfer market, bringing in new attacking talent to replace those who have left the team. The departures of Jhon Duran, Marcus Rashford, and Marco Asensio left a gap in the forward line, which Guessand is set to fill.
Aston Villa have not made any major sales in their attacking department since the departures of the mentioned players. The club have only signed back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot and defender Yasin Ozcan this transfer window, with Guessand being the only notable addition to the attacking options.
Aston Villa's first match of the new season will be at home against Newcastle United next weekend. The club finished sixth in the Premier League last season, and with the addition of Guessand, they will be hoping to improve on that performance.
It is worth noting that Aston Villa were sanctioned by UEFA in July for breaching financial regulations. However, the sanction has not affected the club's plans to strengthen their squad for the new season.
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Evann Guessand's move to Aston Villa marks his entry into the English Premier League, filling the gap left by the departures of Jhon Duran, Marcus Rashford, and Marco Asensio in the forward line. With the addition of Guessand, Aston Villa aim to improve their sixth-place finish from last season in the Premier League.
