A Statement Move in Their European Ascent
Aston Villa have agreed a €35 million deal to sign striker Evann Guessand from OGC Nice. With Champions League quarter-final pedigree and Europa League qualification, Unai Emery’s Villa are no longer mid-table contenders — they’re European challengers.
Transfer Confirmed: Evann Guessand Joins Aston Villa
Aston Villa have finalized a deal to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice for a reported €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons. The 24-year-old Ivorian striker has been authorized to travel to Birmingham for his medical and is expected to sign a five-year contract, becoming Villa’s marquee summer signing.
Guessand scored 12 goals in 33 Ligue 1 matches last season, showcasing his ability to lead the line with pace, movement, and technical finesse. His arrival fills a critical gap in Unai Emery’s squad, with Ollie Watkins previously the only recognized striker following the departures of Jhon Duran and Marcus Rashford.
Aston Villa’s Rise Under Unai Emery
Once considered a mid-table Premier League side, Aston Villa have undergone a dramatic transformation under Unai Emery. The 2024/25 season marked a turning point:
Key Achievements:
- Champions League Quarter-Finalists: Knocked out by PSG with a narrow 5–4 aggregate loss
- 6th Place Finish in Premier League: Secured Europa League group stage qualification for 2025/26
- FA Cup Semi-Finalists: Lost to Crystal Palace, but showed depth and resilience
Villa’s European campaign included wins over Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, and Young Boys, with standout performances from Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, and Emiliano Martinez.
What Evann Guessand Brings to Villa
Guessand is more than just a goal scorer — he’s a dynamic forward who fits Emery’s tactical blueprint.
Tactical Profile:
- Position: Centre-forward, capable of playing wide
- Style: Mobile, intelligent, and technically sound
- Strengths:
- Off-ball movement
- Link-up play
- Finishing in tight spaces
- Pressing and defensive contribution
Strategic Fit:
- Offers depth and rotation alongside Watkins
- Can operate in Emery’s preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 systems
- Ideal for Europa League and domestic cup fixtures
Guessand’s versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset for a club competing on multiple fronts.
Financial & Contract Details
| Detail | Value |
| Transfer Fee | €30M + €5M in add-ons |
| Contract Length | 5 years |
| Annual Salary | Estimated €4M–€5M |
| Medical Date | August 6, 2025 |
| Previous Club | OGC Nice |
Villa’s European Ambitions
With Europa League football secured, Villa will enter the league phase directly, bypassing qualifiers for the first time in their history. They’ll compete alongside clubs like Roma, Porto, and Lyon, aiming to replicate Emery’s past success — he’s a four-time Europa League winner.
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