Media365
Aston Villa has secured the signing of Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from Nice on a contract until 2030, with the 24-year-old set to wear the number 29 shirt. The Premier League club announced the transfer for an undisclosed fee on Friday, beating competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers and several European clubs.Guessand enjoyed a successful 2024/25 season with Nice, scoring 12 goals and helping the team finish fourth in Ligue 1. His outstanding performances earned him the Nice Player of the Season award.The versatile forward has represented the Ivory Coast national team nine times, scoring one goal. He is known for his ability to play across various attacking positions.“Really happy to be here. I was waiting for this moment since a long time ago, and now I’m just excited to start the game, see the fans, and my teammates, start to train with them. I was watching the games of Aston Villa in the last seasons, and after that we started talking with the coach,” Guessand told Villa TV.“To be honest, our talks were the main point, because he really is the person who convinced me to come here, and of course, we know the career of this coach. A long time ago, I saw him in the French league, and he’s known for the way he used to improve the players he used to work with, so I was thinking about this. I’m a young player and I want to improve. I have many qualities that can improve, so when I spoke with the coach, I (knew) this is the right coach for me to become better and better.“The new Villa signing described his playing style and versatility in attack, highlighting his attributes for head coach Unai Emery’s consideration.“I can say a player which is fast, strong, I can have skills as well. I can say I’m a versatile player. I’m tall and a bit strong. Most players like me play No.9, but I can play, 11, 7, 9, 10. I’ve not (got) a specific position on the field, but I would say around the striker is where I feel the most comfortable.”Guessand expressed his eagerness to experience the atmosphere at Villa Park and meet his new supporters.“I have to be ready. In my head, is just meet the fans, see the atmosphere. Many people talk about the atmosphere in the stadium, and I saw some video last season from the game against PSG. The fans were crazy. I just want to meet the fans and my teammates. I just want to start it and live my dream.”
