Did Aston Villa Just Sign Striker Evann Guessand from Nice?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Evann Guessand signed with Aston Villa for £30 million.
- He scored 12 goals last season with OGC Nice.
- His decision was influenced by coach Emery.
- Guessand is a versatile striker.
- He aims to develop his skills further at Villa.
Birmingham, Aug 8 (NationPress) Aston Villa has officially confirmed the acquisition of striker Evann Guessand from OGC Nice for a reported sum of £26 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total fee to £30 million.
Guessand, who developed his skills at the French club, had an impressive 2024/25 season, netting 12 goals and contributing to Nice's fourth-place finish in Ligue 1.
The 24-year-old highlighted the influence of Villa's head coach as a significant reason behind his transfer, expressing confidence that Emery will enhance his skills and facilitate his growth.
In his initial interview with VillaTV, Guessand stated, “I’m thrilled to be here. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and I’m excited to engage with the fans and my teammates, and to start training together. I followed Aston Villa’s games in recent seasons, and after that, discussions began with the coach.
“Honestly, our conversations were pivotal because he’s the one who truly persuaded me to join. We all recognize his successful career as a coach.
“Years ago, I watched him in the French league, and he’s renowned for his ability to develop players he coaches, which was a significant consideration for me. I’m a young talent eager to grow. I possess numerous qualities that I can refine, and when I spoke with the coach, I realized he is the right mentor for my development.”
The Ivory Coast international, known for his versatility on the field, was also awarded the title of Nice Player of the Season last year.
His signing comes at a crucial time for Villa as they seek to bolster their attacking options, particularly following the return of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio to their respective clubs after their loan stints last season.