Villa Secure Versatile Forward in Major Summer Move

Aston Villa have finalized the signing of Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, with the transfer fee reaching up to £30.3 million including performance-based add-ons. The 24-year-old striker arrives at Villa Park after a standout season where he scored 12 goals and earned Nice’s Player of the Season honors, driving the club to a fourth-place finish in France’s top tier.

Addressing Squad Needs

Manager Unai Emery prioritized attacking reinforcements following the departure of loanee Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. Guessand’s versatility offers flexibility across the frontline, having operated as a central striker, right winger, and supporting attacker during his time in Ligue 1. "From the moment Villa showed interest, I immediately embraced the opportunity," said Guessand. "I’m fully committed to contributing in every match and every moment."

Financial Balancing Act

The transfer marks Villa’s second major acquisition this summer, following goalkeeper Marco Bizot’s arrival from Brest. However, the club continues navigating financial regulations after receiving a £9.5 million UEFA fine for breaching squad cost rules, with an additional £12.9 million penalty suspended pending compliance over three years.

Analyst Perspectives

French football expert Patrick Juillard noted Guessand’s evolution: "His explosive pace and improved finishing made him a dual threat last season. While comparisons to Didier Drogba surface due to his physicality and nationality, he’s still developing the clinical edge Drogba possessed at Chelsea."

BBC Sport’s Matthew Hobbs highlighted tactical parallels: "Guessand’s 12 goals and eight assists mirror Rashford’s creative output. His dribbling proficiency and defensive work rate could make him a multifaceted asset in Emery’s system."

Statistical Standout

In the 2024-25 campaign, Guessand outperformed both Watkins and Rashford in exceeding expected goals metrics while demonstrating superior dribbling involvement. Only PSG’s Achraf Hakimi edged him for the Marc-Vivien Foé Award, recognizing Ligue 1’s top African player.

The signing signals Villa’s ambition to compete domestically and in Europe, leveraging Guessand’s dynamic skill set to complement Ollie Watkins in their revamped attack.

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#Premier League #Football Transfers #Ligue 1 #Aston Villa #Evann Guessand