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Aston Villa have completed the signing of Ivory Coast striker Evann Guessand from French club Nice for a fee of £26 million, with an additional £4.3 million in add-ons.
Evann Guessand, a 24-year-old forward, scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season and was named OGC Nice’s Player of the Season as the club finished fourth in the French top flight. His arrival strengthens Villa’s attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Guessand becomes Villa’s second senior signing of the summer following the acquisition of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest.
The France-born attacker will provide cover and competition for Ollie Watkins, currently the only recognised centre-forward in Unai Emery’s squad, following the return of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio to their parent clubs after loan spells.
“When I heard the club wanted me I didn’t think twice,” Guessand said.
“I’m ready to give my all. Every game, every kick, every minute.”
The deal comes amid financial restrictions for the Premier League club, who were fined £9.5 million by UEFA earlier this summer for breaching squad cost ratio rules. A further £12.9 million fine remains suspended, subject to compliance over the next three years.
Guessand’s performances last season saw him narrowly miss out on the Marc-Vivien Foé Award for the best African player in Ligue 1, finishing second behind PSG’s Achraf Hakimi.
He made 30 league starts for Nice last season, with 10 as a centre-forward, eight on the right wing, and nine in a support striker role. He also contributed eight assists, making him one of the most productive attacking players in Ligue 1.
The nine-cap Ivory Coast international joins Villa as the club prepares for domestic and European competitions in the new season.
The post Aston Villa Sign Evann Guessand From Nice In £30 Million Deal appeared first on Naija News.
