Aston Villa Close in on £30m Signing of Nice Striker Evann Guessand

Aston Villa are poised to complete a major move this transfer window, having secured a deal worth approximately €35 million (around £30.4 million) to sign Evann Guessand from French side Nice

Deal Terms & Timeline

• The agreement includes €30 m with up to €5 m in add-ons, confirmed by both Fabrizio Romano and club sources
• Guessand, a 24‑year‑old forward representing Ivory Coast internationally, is expected to undergo a medical in England this week, with a five‑year contract reportedly lined up

Player Profile & Squad Fit

• Guessand scored 12 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season and recently netted his first international goal in March for Ivory Coast
• Standing at 1.88 m, the forward offers physical presence, strong link‑up play, pressing energy, and positional flexibility across Villa’s attacking front — traits suited to Unai Emery’s tactical style .

In recent months, Guessand had attracted interest from Roma, Brighton, and Fenerbahçe, sparking a competitive race which Villa appear to have won

Squad Context & Potential Impact

• This transfer marks Villa’s first major outlay of the summer, coming after only modest signings like experienced goalkeeper Marco Bizot, kept minimal amid profitability and sustainability rules
• Manager Unai Emery looks to add depth and tactical options alongside Ollie Watkins, the club’s only recognised pure striker currently. Guessand is seen as either a long‑term successor to John Duran or challenge to squad rotation players such as Leon Bailey

Fan & Expert Insight

A popular reaction from r/soccer underscores the broader sentiment:

“Villa always do their business in silence… should be a good signing”
“People expect any incomings to be balanced by an outgoing… they’ve got this guy before a sale must mean they’ve sold someone or are close to”

Looking Ahead

In summary, Aston Villa have secured what could become a pivotal acquisition in Evann Guessand, blending increasing output in Ligue 1 with structural fit in Emery’s system. At around £30 million, with bonuses, Villa have moved decisively in the closing stages of the window to bolster their attacking options for the coming season.