New Aston Villa gem Evann Guessand already likened to Manchester United cult icon
Aston Villa have finally made a big move in the transfer market, having completed the signing of Ivorian striker Evann Guessand from Nice.
Guessand arrives at Villa Park in a deal worth approximately £30million.
The 24-year-old rose through the ranks at Nice and has been highly rated in France ever since he was a teenager.
He has nine caps for the Ivory Coast, having debuted for his national side in 2024.
Now, he has the opportunity to make his mark in the Premier League for Unai Emery’s side.
Guessand was compared to Dimitar Berbatov by a former youth coach
Guessand was far from a ‘boy wonder’ at Nice.
It took him time to develop into one of Ligue 1’s biggest goal threats, and key figures at Nice have praised the determination and perseverance shown to become a top star.
Read more: Aston Villa fans will absolutely love Evann Guessand’s first words after sealing transfer
Guessand is 6’2″ and has proven strong enough to hold his own against the biggest defenders in the French league.
However, Emerse Fae, his youth coach at Nice has recalled how Guessand didn’t want to earn a professional contract solely for his strength and presence.
In an interview with Poteaux Carres, he recalled how Guessand would watch videos of Manchester United cult icon Dimitar Berbatov and copy his training drills to improve his first touch.
He said: “It was so rare to see big guys with above-average, almost silky technique. He reeked of football and was tired of being reduced to his physique. He wanted to be recognised for his technique and his vision of the game.”
Guessand could operate as partner for Watkins, rather than a replacement
The signing of Guessand comes during a time of unavoidable speculation about Ollie Watkins’ future at Villa Park.
Watkins has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, and it has already been suggested that Guessand has been signed as a replacement for Watkins.
However, if Villa want to keep hold of the Englishman, Guessand could easily become Watkins’ perfect strike partner.
| Evann Guessand 2024-25 Nice statistics | |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 9 |
A front two of Guessand and Watkins could create the classic combination of strength and pace. Both have a keen eye for goal, and you’d imagine they’d score enough to give Villa a real chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
This would require a slight change in system from Emery, who prefers to play one up front supported by two wingers.
Still, this transfer shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a reason to let Watkins go.
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