Aston Villa is nearing the completion of a transfer for OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand, with a deal worth €35 million nearly finalized between the two teams. The 24-year-old is anticipated to arrive in England on Wednesday, August 6, for his medical examinations, with discussions about personal terms for a five-year agreement currently underway.
Softfootball can verify that the arrangement, which includes performance-related bonuses, signifies the conclusion of a transfer saga that has persisted throughout much of the summer.
Guessand attracted attention from other clubs, including Crystal Palace and Saudi Arabian team Neom SC, but he has consistently indicated his desire to join either the Premier League or the Bundesliga.
This decisiveness was crucial in Aston Villa securing his signature, particularly after he rejected an enticing offer from Neom SC in July.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also reported the news on his official X account, stating:
“Aston Villa are closing in on Evann Guessand deal with OGC Nice and player’s camp.
“Negotiations for €35m fee at final stages with details being sorted between clubs. Player said yes to #AVFC with details of his contract also being finalised.”
The Ivorian forward enjoyed a remarkable season with Nice, netting 13 goals and providing 10 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. His performances have garnered attention not only in France but throughout Europe, with many predicting a rise in his career.
Nice manager Franck Haise had previously indicated that Guessand’s tenure with the club was nearing its conclusion. In May, following the final Ligue 1 match, Haise acknowledged the challenges in retaining the player, particularly given financial restrictions and the necessity to refresh the squad.
In the previous month, he reiterated this by stating there was a “90% chance” that Guessand would depart this summer.
Aston Villa has been relatively quiet in this transfer window but has managed to fend off interest in key players like Emiliano Martínez and Ollie Watkins. Now, with the deal set, all that remains is the official medical examination and final documentation.
If everything goes as intended, Guessand will join Unai Emery’s squad, as Villa prepares for a busy season that includes a return to European competition.
