Aston Villa Seal £30m Deal for Ivory Coast Striker Evann Guessand
So, here’s the big news: Aston Villa have just completed the signing of Evann Guessand, the Ivory Coast forward who was playing for Nice in France’s Ligue 1. This move is a major one for Villa, with the club shelling out around £26 million initially, with add-ons that could take the fee close to £30 million. At just 24 years old, Guessand is seen as a real talent and a crucial addition to boost Villa’s attacking options.
Last season, Guessand had an impressive run at Nice, scoring 12 goals and earning the Player of the Season award as the team finished fourth in Ligue 1. What's interesting about him is his versatility — he doesn’t just stick to the center forward role but also plays effectively on the wing or as a support striker. In fact, only 10 of his 30 starts last season were at center-forward. This flexibility is something Villa manager Unai Emery values, especially since the team lost key attacking players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio at the end of last season when their loans expired.
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Guessand himself said he didn’t hesitate when he heard Aston Villa wanted him. He’s clearly eager and ready to give his all for the club, promising to fight for every minute on the pitch. His arrival comes after Villa signed goalkeeper Marco Bizot, marking two key first-team signings this summer. It’s worth noting that Villa’s transfer activities are happening under some financial pressure — they were fined by UEFA earlier this summer for breaching squad cost ratio rules, which means the club has to be careful about balancing spending and compliance.
From a playing perspective, Guessand’s stats are pretty impressive. Besides his 12 goals, he provided eight assists last season, all from open play, which places him among the top contributors in France’s top flight. Compared to players like Ollie Watkins and Rashford, who Villa have relied on in the past, Guessand stands out for his dribbling skills and his involvement in the game, especially with the ball at his feet. He’s also quite active defensively, often winning duels and helping regain possession high up the pitch — something Emery definitely appreciates in his forwards.
It’s clear that Aston Villa see Guessand as a player who can step into Rashford’s shoes, not just by scoring goals but by being a dynamic and versatile attacking force. With a five-year contract until 2030, it looks like Villa are planning long-term with him as a key piece of their squad.
All in all, this signing signals Villa’s ambition to push higher in the Premier League this season, strengthening their squad depth and quality. Fans will be excited to see how Guessand adapts to English football and contributes to Villa’s campaign ahead.
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