What Aston Villa privately think about Evann Guessand after hijacking Crystal Palace’s move

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TBR Football can exclusively reveal Aston Villa’s thoughts about Evann Guessand as they are about to sign him ahead of Crystal Palace.

The Ivory Coast international’s name has been in the headlines since the start of the transfer window, with several clubs linked with a move to sign him.

Guessand has had admirers in the Premier League, but he was of interest to the Saudi Pro League as well.

However, TBR Football can confirm now that he is heading to Aston Villa, who are delighted that they are landing him.

Exclusive: Aston Villa think Evann Guessand has huge potential and can make an instant impact

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that Aston Villa are set to beat a host of their Premier League rivals to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.

Newly promoted Leeds United and Sunderland held talks to sign Guessand, as did Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the window.

The Ivorian had seemed set for a move to the Saudi Pro League with FC Neom, but talks broke down.

Then, Crystal Palace seemed to be the favourites to land the versatile forward, but Aston Villa have now stepped in and agreed terms on a €35 million deal with Nice.

Guessand is due in Birmingham on Wednesday for his medical as the Villans make their first big breakthrough of the transfer window.

TBR can reveal that Aston Villa are privately thrilled to have won the race for Guessand, who they think is not just a player with big potential for the future but can also hit the ground running.

Bailey told TBR: “Guessand was one of the stories of Ligue 1 last season, and a host of clubs tried to land the Ivorian star. But Villa have struck a deal.

“He can play centrally but also on either side, and I am told that Villa are delighted to have moved quickly to seal an agreement. They think Guessand has huge potential and can make an impact straightaway.”

Evann Guessand’s stats in 2024/25

Most of Guessand’s appearances for Nice came as a right-winger last season, but he is more than capable of playing through the middle and on the opposite side as well.

The Ivorian directly contributed to 23 goals in 35 starts for the Ligue 1 side last term, which is a very impressive return considering that he didn’t always play as a centre-forward.

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on the Champions League last term, and Unai Emery will be desperate to get back into the competition.

Ollie Watkins, should he stay, will once again be their main man up front, but Guessand is a very good player too and will offer options across the front line.