Aston Villa finalise £30m deal for Nice striker Evann Guessand

Aston Villa have completed a deal to sign Ivorian striker Evann Guessand from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. 

The 24-year-old forward will join the Premier League club for a total fee of £30 million, comprising an initial £26 million and a further £4.3 million in add-ons based on performance targets.

Guessand enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, scoring 12 goals across all competitions and playing a pivotal role as Nice secured a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1. 

His efforts earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, and he emerged as the most-used outfield player in the squad last season.

The move to Villa Park marks a significant step in Guessand’s career, as he prepares to undergo a medical on Wednesday. 

He will become the club’s first major signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of defender Yasin Ozcan from Kasimpasa, who has since been loaned to Anderlecht, and goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest.

Villa’s need for reinforcements in the striker position has been pressing since the January departure of Colombian forward Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. 

Ollie Watkins remained the club’s only recognised senior centre-forward, with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford joining on loan to cover the gap during the second half of the season. However, Rashford has since moved to Barcelona on a permanent deal.

Guessand, who came through the youth ranks at Nice, signed a new four-year contract with the club just last summer.

His consistent performances in Ligue 1 have attracted interest from several clubs, including Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, but Villa were able to secure his signature ahead of their competitors.

On the international stage, Guessand made his debut for Ivory Coast in June 2024 and has since earned nine caps for the national team. 

His physical presence, pace, and intelligent movement are seen as attributes that will translate well to the Premier League.

Unai Emery’s side will be hoping that the addition of Guessand boosts their attacking options as they prepare for a busy 2025/26 season. 

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last term, Villa will compete in the UEFA Europa League and begin their domestic campaign at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, August 16 at 12:30 BST.