Aston Villa announce the arrival of Evann Guessand | OneFootball

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Evann Guessand from OGC Nice on a five-year deal.

The 24-year-old forward joins Villa for an initial £26 million, with potential add-ons raising the total fee to approximately £30.5m.

Guessand arrives at Villa Park after a standout 2024-2025 campaign in Ligue 1, where he bagged 12 goals and eight assists in 33 league appearances.

His impressive performances earned him the Player of the Season award at Nice and helped the club finish fourth in the French top division.

“When I heard the club wanted me, I didn’t think twice,” he told VillaTV.

“I’m ready to give my all every game, every minute, every kick. Villains, I’ve heard all about you. I’m now ready to see and hear you. Up the Villa!”

Capable of operating as a centre forward, supporting striker or on the flank, Guessand’s versatility will come in handy for Villa.

His arrival addresses a pressing need for Villa following the departure of Jhon Duran in January and the end of Marcus Rashford’s loan spell, which left Ollie Watkins as the only senior centre-forward.

Guessand will provide depth and competition ahead of another European campaign for Unai Emery’s side after a sixth-place finish last season.

The Ivory Coast international had offers from Crystal Palace and clubs in the Middle East, but opted to move to the Midlands.

Guessand is Villa’s second signing of the summer window after Marco Bizot.