Aston Villa have completed the £30 million signing of Nice striker Evann Guessand, sealing a deal worth £26 million upfront with an additional £4.3 million in performance-related bonuses. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast forward arrives at Villa Park after a stellar season in Ligue 1, where he scored 12 goals, provided eight assists, and was crowned Nice’s Player of the Season as they finished fourth in the French top flight.
Guessand’s arrival offers Unai Emery much-needed depth in attack, with Ollie Watkins previously the club’s only recognized centre forward. Emery had been eager to reinforce his frontline following the departures of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, whose loan spells ended last season. “When I learned the club was interested in me, I didn’t hesitate,” Guessand said in his first interview. “I’m prepared to give my all, every game, every kick, every minute.”
The Ivory Coast international, capped nine times by his country, brings versatility to Villa’s attacking options. Last season, only a third of his Ligue 1 starts came as a central striker; he also featured on the right wing, as a number 10, and as a support striker. His ability to operate across the frontline mirrors the role Marcus Rashford played during his loan spell, making him a valuable tactical asset for Emery.
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In addition to his attacking prowess, Guessand’s style of play offers defensive contributions, with a proven ability to win duels and recover possession high up the pitch. He also boasts superior dribbling skills compared to both Watkins and Rashford, allowing him to create more scoring opportunities from open play. Statistically, he exceeded his expected goals tally last season, cementing his reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most efficient forwards.
Guessand becomes Villa’s second major signing of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest. The club’s transfer business this window has been shaped by the need to comply with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations, after being hit with a £9.5 million fine for breaching UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules, with a further £12.9 million fine suspended pending compliance over the next three years.
Villa fans will get their first glimpse of Guessand in claret and blue later this month, with expectations high that the reigning Nice Player of the Year can make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
