Marseille-born forward Evann Guessand explains why he didn’t sign for OM | OneFootball

It has been a special season so far for Evann Guessand (23), who has built on the promise he showed, often off the bench, under Francesco Farioli last season. The Ivory Coast international has become a key member of an OGC Nice sid battling for UEFA Champions League qualification this season.

Guessand has 11 goals in Ligue 1 this season, including one against Olympique de Marseille at the end of January. OM have shown interest in the versatile striker, who is also the subject of interest from Aston Villa and West Ham United. His goal against Les Phocéens in January came amid the Ligue 1 side’s continued pursuit, which according to Nice-Matin, dated back to the summer.

However, OM’s initial interest can be traced much further back. As the striker told DAZN, OM approached him before he even integrated Nice’s academy. He has revealed why he turned down the offer from his hometown. “Why didn’t I sign for OM? Because at the time, they didn’t play young players. Marseille wanted me but it wasn’t the right project for me because I don’t know if I would have turned pro. That is the objective when you go to a club. Nice played young players more. Now, it is my home,” he said.

Nice has become Guessand’s home but for how much longer? The forward has driven up his asking price significantly this season and now may be the right time for Le Gym to cash in.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle