Aston Villa Secures €35m Deal for Evann Guessand Beating Crystal Palace

Aston Villa has agreed to sign Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand from OGC Nice in a deal reportedly worth up to €35 million, including potential add-ons. The 24-year-old forward, who impressed in Ligue 1 with 13 goals and 10 assists last season, chose Villa over Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Saudi club Neom FC, preferring to continue his career in England. Villa are confident Guessand will make an immediate impact due to his versatility, being able to play centrally and on the wings, and view him as a significant signing, though not a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins, whose future at Villa remains uncertain amid transfer interest. The transfer marks Villa’s first major signing of the summer and comes amid financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability rules that have limited their activity in the transfer market. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace continue to pursue other targets, while Manchester United is reportedly monitoring Watkins in potential transfer discussions. Guessand is expected to complete his medical and finalize a five-year contract with Aston Villa shortly.