Guessand’s Palace preference shapes next move from Aston Villa

Evann Guessand is set to return to Crystal Palace after deciding that his future remains in the Premier League, just one year after joining Aston Villa in a deal worth 19.67bn CFA francs.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international, previously of OGC Nice, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Aston Villa and will move back to Crystal Palace on loan. The agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy.

Guessand spent the second half of last season with Crystal Palace and is now preparing for another spell at the London club. His decision came despite interest from several clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with the forward making clear that he wanted to continue his career in England.

The player’s preference was also reflected in his approach during a period of uncertainty over his future. According to those close to him, Guessand remained calm while discussions over his next move continued.

A source close to the former OGC Nice striker spoke to Ivoirezine about the negotiations with Crystal Palace. The process ultimately rewarded the player’s patience, allowing him to remain in the Premier League and pursue what he sees as an important opportunity to establish himself.

Guessand considers last season to have been primarily a period of discovery. Having experienced his first months of English football, the Ivory Coast international believes he has learned enough to approach the next campaign with greater confidence and ambition.

His time at Crystal Palace made a particularly strong impression. The club is understood to have quickly earned his trust, both in sporting terms and on a personal level.

The relationship between the player and the club was described by his representative as a significant factor in the move. That connection, combined with Guessand’s familiarity with Crystal Palace, helped shape his decision to return rather than pursue opportunities outside England.

The winger now wants to use his experience of the Premier League, the lessons gained last season and the confidence shown by Crystal Palace to take another step forward. His aim is to become a more established figure in English football.

After adapting to the demands of the English game, the former OGC Nice player believes Crystal Palace offers the right environment in which to make his mark. His return gives him another chance to turn a promising spell into a sustained presence in the Premier League.

Guessand remains under contract with Aston Villa until 30 June 2030. The right winger has an estimated market value of 25m euros and was earning an annual salary of 2,249,654 euros, equivalent to 1,462,275,100 CFA francs, at Aston Villa.

Hull City, who have just been promoted to the Premier League, were also interested in signing the Ivory Coast international in recent months, according to exclusive information from Africafoot.

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