Aston Villa have secured the services of forward Evann Guessand from Nice. The deal is said to be worth an initial £26 million, with an additional £4 million in potential add-ons. This acquisition marks Villa's second signing for the 2025-26 season, following the arrival of goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest, who will serve as backup to Emiliano Martinez.
Guessand, primarily a right winger but also capable of playing as a central striker, was previously linked with Crystal Palace. His addition addresses the gaps left by Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, whose loan spells were not extended by Unai Emery's team at the end of last season.

Centre-back Yasin Ozcan also joined Villa from Kasimpasa but was immediately loaned to Anderlecht. These moves reflect Villa's strategic approach to strengthening their squad for the upcoming season. Guessand's versatility on the field is expected to be a valuable asset for the team.
The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international has reportedly signed a five-year contract with Aston Villa. However, specific details regarding his contract have not been disclosed by the club. Guessand netted 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season, contributing significantly to Nice's fourth-place finish and Europa League qualification.
Guessand might make his competitive debut for Villa in their Premier League opener against Newcastle United on August 16. Before that, Villa has scheduled friendlies against Marseille and Villarreal. These matches will provide Guessand an opportunity to integrate into the team and showcase his skills ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa will also participate in the Europa League after narrowly missing out on a top-five finish in the Premier League last season. The club aims to build on its current squad strength and make a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions this year.