Crystal Palace secure Evann Guessand return from Aston Villa on loan

Crystal Palace have completed the return of Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand, with the right winger joining from Aston Villa on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy.

The agreement was confirmed in an official statement by Crystal Palace after the two clubs held advanced discussions in recent days. The move gives the Eagles an attacking addition before the start of the new Premier League season and allows Guessand to return to a club he already knows.

Guessand spent the second half of the 2025/26 season with Crystal Palace after joining Aston Villa from OGC Nice in the summer of 2025. His first spell at Selhurst Park gave him further experience of the Premier League and helped establish him as an effective attacking option.

The 25-year-old is now set to begin a second spell in south London, where Crystal Palace hope to benefit from his physical strength, movement and ability to operate in different attacking roles. His familiarity with the club and the competition should also help him settle quickly as the new campaign approaches.

For Aston Villa, the loan is intended to provide Guessand with more regular first-team football. The purchase option could lead to a permanent transfer if he maintains his form and continues to demonstrate his qualities in a Crystal Palace shirt.

Guessand remains under contract with Aston Villa until 30 June 2030. His estimated market value is €25m, while his annual salary at the Villans is reported to be €2,249,654, equivalent to 1,462,275,100 CFA francs.

Crystal Palace’s move comes after interest from other clubs. Hull City, who have just been promoted to the Premier League, had also been monitoring the Ivory Coast international’s situation, according to exclusive information reported by Africafoot.

The Eagles will soon begin their league campaign against Everton. Betting company 1xbet lists Crystal Palace at odds of 3.25 to win, with a draw also priced at 3.25 and an Everton victory at 1.99.

Guessand’s return therefore provides Crystal Palace with another option in attack while giving Aston Villa the opportunity to assess his progress during a season in which he is expected to receive a greater amount of playing time. A successful campaign at Selhurst Park could ultimately turn the temporary move into a permanent switch.