Crystal Palace have strengthened their attacking options with the loan signing of Evann Guessand from Aston Villa, completing a deal that includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The club confirmed the transfer on Friday, following reports earlier in the week that negotiations were nearing completion.
Guessand arrives in south London less than six months after joining Villa from Ligue 1 side Nice in a transfer worth €35 million.
Despite the scale of that investment, the 24-year-old struggled to secure a regular starting role under Unai Emery, making 21 appearances across all competitions but starting only six Premier League matches. His two goals for Villa both came in the Europa League, as competition for places limited his impact domestically.
Palace moved swiftly amid growing interest from clubs across Europe, viewing the Ivorian as a forward capable of adding pace, creativity and end product to their frontline.
Chairman Steve Parish expressed confidence that the move would benefit both player and club, describing Guessand as an exciting talent well suited to the Selhurst Park stage.
Parish added that the forward’s arrival strengthens Palace’s attacking depth as they target progress in the Premier League and their European campaign during the second half of the season.
The deal also reflects the shifting dynamics between Palace and Villa this window. Earlier in January, Palace explored the possibility of signing Guessand after Villa showed interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta. That interest has since cooled following Villa’s €21 million acquisition of Tammy Abraham from Besiktas, clearing the path for Guessand’s temporary switch to south London.
Guessand’s pedigree is well established. During his time at Nice, he registered 21 goals and 15 assists in 109 appearances, with 13 goals and 10 assists coming in the 2024-25 campaign alone. Palace will hope that form translates quickly in England.
The move caps a hectic January for Palace. The club committed a near-record £35 million to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, while captain Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City in a £20 million deal.
Off the pitch, uncertainty remains, with head coach Oliver Glasner confirming he will leave at the end of the season.
