OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand is expected to leave the club during the current pre-season, head coach Franck Haise has confirmed.
The 24-year-old Ivorian striker, who has attracted significant interest in the summer transfer window, appears to be on the verge of a move away from the Allianz Riviera.
Speaking to L’Équipe following Nice’s 3-3 draw in a pre-season friendly against AS Nancy on Saturday, Haise stated that Guessand’s departure is “95% certain” to happen before the start of the new season.
While the exact timing and destination of the move remain unclear, the coach left little doubt about the player’s likely exit.
“We know 95% that he will leave during the preparation,” Haise said. “At what point, we don’t know yet.”
Despite the strong possibility of a transfer, Haise indicated that Guessand will remain involved with the squad for the time being.
He emphasised that the striker will continue to feature in matches, even if only in a supporting role, while the club finalises his future.
“Even if he doesn’t necessarily start the matches, I’m giving him playing time,” Haise added. “And if he’s still with us on August 10, 12 or 17, I won’t hesitate to play him in our first matches.
The goal is to get him going—for him and for us.”
Guessand, who is under contract with OGC Nice until June 2028, has drawn attention from several clubs across Europe. Among the sides reportedly interested are Villarreal, West Ham United, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Turkish giants Fenerbahçe. However, some of those clubs, including Fenerbahçe, are believed to have already stepped back from negotiations.
The Ivorian’s impressive performances last season have only heightened speculation around his future. Over the course of 42 matches in all competitions, Guessand netted 13 goals and contributed 10 assists—figures that have significantly boosted his market value.
Currently estimated at €25 million by Transfermarkt, his potential departure could result in a lucrative transfer fee for the French club.
Guessand, who earns an annual salary of €900,000 at Nice, has become one of the most talked-about figures of this transfer window.
At 24, he is entering the peak years of his career and is expected to take the next step at a club where he can compete at a higher level or gain more consistent first-team opportunities.
For OGC Nice, the likely sale of Guessand presents both a financial opportunity and a tactical challenge. With the new season approaching quickly, the club must prepare for life without one of their key attacking players, while also ensuring a smooth transition within the squad.
As transfer talks continue behind the scenes, Guessand’s situation remains fluid. But barring any late changes, it seems increasingly likely that the striker’s time with the Aiglons is coming to an end. His next destination, however, has yet to be finalised.
