Evann Guessand rejoins Crystal Palace on loan from Aston Villa for 2026-27
Synopsis
Evann Guessand is back at Selhurst Park — and this time with bigger ambitions. The man who became the first player to win two different European trophies in a single season returns on loan from Aston Villa, with Crystal Palace eyeing a serious Europa League run after their Conference League triumph.
Key Takeaways
Crystal Palace have re-signed Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa with an option to buy, confirmed on 12 August .
Guessand made 14 appearances and scored 2 goals during his first loan stint at Palace, including a role in their UEFA Conference League final win over Rayo Vallecano .
He is reportedly the first player to win two different European trophies in the same season, having also featured in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph.
The forward scored 12 goals for Nice in 2024/25 and won the club's Player of the Season award before joining Villa.
Guessand is Palace's fourth summer signing , joining Oscar Mingueza , Takehiro Tomiyasu , and Dwight McNeil .
Palace begin their 2026-27 Premier League season on 22 August against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium .
Crystal Palace have confirmed the return of Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to buy, making the Ivory Coast forward the club's fourth summer signing of the window. The announcement, made on 12 August, reunites Guessand with the south London club where he made an immediate impact during the second half of last season.
Key Details of the Loan Deal
Guessand, who grew up in Marseille, made 14 appearances for Palace during his first loan stint, scoring twice. The deal includes an option to buy, signalling the club's intent to make the arrangement permanent if he performs. He becomes the Eagles' fourth arrival this summer, following Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Dwight McNeil.
A Player of Historic European Distinction
Guessand holds a remarkable distinction in European football — he is reportedly the first player to win two different European trophies in the same season. He featured in Aston Villa's successful UEFA Europa League campaign before joining Palace mid-season, where he went on to play a role in the Eagles' UEFA Conference League triumph, including the final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. He will now aim to help Palace defend their European ambitions in the UEFA Europa League this season.
Guessand's Career Path to Selhurst Park
The forward built his reputation through spells at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes before breaking through emphatically at Nice in the 2024/25 season, where he scored 12 goals and claimed the club's Player of the Season award. That form earned him a move to Aston Villa, where he made 21 appearances in the first half of last season, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist before heading to Selhurst Park. He also featured twice for Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What Guessand Said
Speaking in an official club statement, Guessand expressed his delight at the return. 'I'm so happy to be here. I already have good memories here, but I think it's only the beginning. I hope many more are coming,' he said.
Palace's Season Outlook
Crystal Palace finished 15th in the Premier League during the 2025/26 season, recording 11 wins, 12 draws, and 15 losses. Despite their mid-table domestic finish under manager Oliver Glasner, they secured UEFA Europa League qualification by winning the Conference League — a rare route into Europe's second-tier competition. Palace open their new campaign on 22 August against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.
Point of View
Which creates a genuine squad-depth challenge for Glasner. Guessand's dual-European-trophy record is a novelty, but his real value is as a proven fit for this system. The option-to-buy clause is the detail to watch: if Palace progress deep in Europe, the calculus on a permanent deal changes quickly, and Aston Villa will want full market value.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Evann Guessand returned to Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace have re-signed Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa for the 2026-27 season, with an option to buy. The club is looking to bolster their squad ahead of a UEFA Europa League campaign following their Conference League triumph.
What is Evann Guessand's record at Crystal Palace?
During his first loan spell at Palace in the second half of last season, Guessand made 14 appearances and scored 2 goals, including contributions to the club's UEFA Conference League winning campaign and the final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
What makes Evann Guessand historically unique in European football?
Guessand is reportedly the first player to win two different European trophies in the same season, having featured in Aston Villa's UEFA Europa League triumph and Crystal Palace's UEFA Conference League victory in the same campaign.
Who are Crystal Palace's other summer signings in 2026?
Guessand is Palace's fourth summer arrival, following Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Dwight McNeil. The club is rebuilding their squad for a Premier League and Europa League double challenge.
When do Crystal Palace start their 2026-27 Premier League season?
Crystal Palace open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign on 22 August against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.
