Crystal Palace have signed Ivorian forward Evan Guessand on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season, with the attacker departing just six months after joining Villa last summer.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in the 2024-25 season, scoring 12 goals to help OGC Nice to a fourth-place finish in the French Ligue One and was named the club’s player of the season after his impressive displays. He then joined Aston Villa in the English Premier League last summer for a fee of around €35 million.
However, things did not go as planned as he only scored twice in 21 appearances across all competitions, while the arrival of Tammy Abraham at the club last month was likely going to make him third choice in attack.
Crystal Palace have agreed a £2 million loan deal that includes an obligation to sign the player permanently for £28 million in the summer subject to certain conditions. If the permanent obligation is taken, he would become the third-most expensive arrival in the club history, following the signatures of Jorgen Strand Larsen for £48 million and Brennan Johnson for £35 million last month.
View this post on Instagram
Guessand will linkup with his new teammates at Selhurst Park and will be tasked will helping the club secure a return to the top half of the table, while they also continue their quest for a first European crown in the 2025-26 Conference League campaign.
Transfer details and contract
The FA Cup champions have agreed to sign the Ivorian forward on an initial loan deal until the end of the season and will pay a £2 million transfer fee.
However, the deal also includes an obligation for a permanent transfer in the summer for around £28 million, with the player expected to sign a four-year contract if the move materializes.
Salary details
Per Capology, Guessand will earn a basic salary of about £37,500 plus an additional £9,375 in bonuses, taking his total earnings to about £46,875 per week and £2.44 million annually.
If the obligation to sign permanently is met, Crystal Palace’s total investments could exceed £40 million, making the 24-year-old one of their most valuable additions in the history of the club.
The sights are set on winning a trophy with Palace ✊ pic.twitter.com/f4aMxvqARm
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 30, 2026
From West Midlands to South London
Guessand moved to England for the first time in his career last summer when he joined Aston Villa after a promising spell at French club OGC Nice. The Ivory Coast forward however struggled to make an impact at the club and departs after just six months.
A move to London offers him another chance to make impact in the Premier League and he will be hoping to rediscover his form during his spell at the club.
