Aston Villa Signs Evann Guessand from Nice for €35 Million

Aston Villa has officially signed forward Evann Guessand from French club OGC Nice. The announcement was made on Friday, marking a significant addition to the Premier League side ahead of the upcoming season. Though the duration of the contract and the transfer fee were not disclosed by Villa, media reports indicate that the deal is a five-year agreement valued at approximately €35 million (about $40.71 million).

Guessand, who was born in France but represents the Ivory Coast internationally, has been a product of Nice’s youth system. He made his senior debut for the club in 2020 and has since developed into a promising talent. His career has included loan spells at Swiss club Lausanne-Sport and French team Nantes. However, it was during the 2024-2025 season that he truly made his mark, scoring 12 goals in Ligue 1 as Nice secured a fourth-place finish.

In addition to his club achievements, Guessand recently earned his first international cap for the Ivory Coast, scoring in a crucial 1-0 victory over Morocco during the World Cup qualifiers in March.

In a video shared on social media by Aston Villa, Guessand expressed his excitement about the move: “When I heard [Villa] wanted me, I didn’t think twice. I’m ready to give my all.” His enthusiasm reflects the club’s ambition as they look to build on a strong sixth-place finish in the previous season.

Looking Ahead to the New Season

Aston Villa is gearing up for their league campaign, which kicks off with a home match against Newcastle United on August 16, 2024. The addition of Guessand is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options as they aim to compete effectively in the Premier League.

The club’s management has shown a clear intent to strengthen their squad, and the signing of Guessand is a testament to their commitment to enhancing performance on the pitch. With a blend of youthful energy and international experience, Guessand could prove to be a key player for Villa in the seasons to come.