Aston Villa complete £30m signing of Ivory Coast striker Evann Guessand | OneFootball

Aston Villa Secure £30m Deal for Evann Guessand

Proven Goalscorer Joins Emery’s Project

Aston Villa have strengthened their attacking ranks with the £30m capture of Evann Guessand from Ligue 1 side Nice. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international – capped nine times by his country – arrives after a standout campaign in France, where he scored 12 goals and was named Player of the Season as Nice secured a fourth-place finish.

France-born Guessand provides Unai Emery with a new dimension in attack, easing the burden on Ollie Watkins, who had been the only recognised centre-forward in the squad. His ability to combine physicality with intelligent movement made him one of Ligue 1’s most effective forwards last season.

“When I heard the club wanted me I didn’t think twice,” Guessand said. “I’m ready to give my all. Every game, every kick, every minute.”

Why Guessand Fits Villa’s Ambitions

Emery has been deliberate in his transfer dealings this summer, targeting players capable of delivering immediately while offering long-term value. Guessand’s pace, aerial ability and composed finishing tick all the boxes. His versatility also means he can operate across the front line, a valuable trait in a season that will demand tactical flexibility.

Villa’s forward depth had been stretched following the end of loan spells for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Guessand’s arrival addresses that gap, giving Emery a reliable alternative and potential partner for Watkins in certain systems.

Financial Balancing Act in Transfer Strategy

This signing comes against a backdrop of financial caution at Villa Park. The club’s summer transfer activity has been shaped by the need to comply with Premier League and Uefa financial regulations. Earlier this summer, Villa were fined an initial £9.5m by Uefa for breaching squad cost ratio rules, with a further £12.9m fine suspended pending compliance over the next three years.

That context makes the Guessand deal even more telling – a calculated investment in a player deemed essential to sustaining Villa’s competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.

Building Momentum Ahead of New Season

Guessand becomes Villa’s second senior addition of the window, following the signing of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest. With pre-season well underway, Emery will be keen to integrate his new forward quickly, ensuring the side can build on last year’s progress.

For Villa, this is a move of intent. For Guessand, it is a platform to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages. The marriage of ambition and opportunity feels timely – and potentially decisive – in shaping the season ahead.