‘Evann Guessand clashed with Unai Emery at Aston Villa, that’s why Crystal Palace will sign him permanently’
Evann Guessand left Aston Villa for Crystal Palace in January.
Guessand grabbed an assist for Palace on his debut as he assisted Ismaila Sarr in the 1-0 win against Brighton on Sunday.
Ironically, the Ivory Coast international also got his only B6 assist when Villa secured a 4-3 win away to Brighton earlier in the season.
The Villa Park faithful couldn’t quite believe what they saw when Guessand celebrated with Crystal Palace fans, something they’d never seen in the Midlands.
There is now an expectation that Guessand will stay at Selhurst Park, but a disagreement with Unai Emery may have caused his dip in form wearing claret and blue.
Evann Guessand to join Crystal Palace permanently after Unai Emery clash
Guessand joined Palace late in the January window, a deal that faced little to no complaints from the Villans.
The 24-year-old had been poor throughout his short stint since signing from OGC Nice, with little evidence showing why he was signed for £35million.
That meant Crystal Palace’s willingness to pay £28m for his signature at the end of his loan spell came as a massive surprise in B6.
Former Villa scout Bryan King is certain that Guessand will join the Eagles permanently, citing a clash with Emery as the reason for his failings at Villa Park.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “They will take up the option to buy him, without a doubt.
“There’s obviously something there between him and the manager, which has led to his move to Palace.
“Let’s see how he goes the next five or six games, but he looks as though he had a weight lifted off his back. I’d imagine that weight was Emery.
“If you fall out with the manager, you aren’t going to play games. If you don’t play games, you can’t build rapport with fans.
“Fans will side with the manager no matter what.
“He’s gone straight in and done well for Palace, and he’s changed.“
Aston Villa can bank £28m for Guessand
The Villa fans were baffled when Donyell Malen was allowed to leave and join Roma on an initial loan deal in January, such was his importance in B6.
That feeling was echoed when Guessand departed, but not for the same reason.
No one can quite believe Emery and Co. can recoup £28m for his signature after such a shocking spell in the Premier League so far.
He did look much improved for the Eagles against Brighton, so everyone associated with the Villans will hope that form can continue.
That would almost ensure that Palace purchase him and land Villa a sizable fee to then spend moving into the summer window.