Evann Guessand close to Crystal Palace loan return from Aston Villa | OneFootball

Evann Guessand is close to rejoining Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from Aston Villa. The move has not yet been completed, but both clubs intend to finalise an agreement.

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Palace had reignited their interest in the 25-year-old and that the proposed deal includes an option to buy.

The forward has not travelled with Villa’s squad for Wednesday’s Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain. Palace did not take up a £28 million option to sign him after his winter loan.

He struggled for starts under Oliver Glasner, making 14 appearances and scoring twice in the second half of 2025-26.

The Ivory Coast international made two brief substitute outings at this summer’s World Cup.

Once his exit is confirmed, Villa will turn to offloading Leon Bailey, whose proposed switch to Hull City is currently not proceeding.

Glasner has since departed, replaced by former Lens manager Pierre Sage. Palace have signed defenders Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu and added Dwight McNeil, with Brennan Johnson moving the other way.

Guessand arrived at Palace on winter deadline day amid wider European interest, one of three attacking additions after club-record deals for Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

He joined Villa in August from Nice and scored two goals in 21 appearances in all competitions, with only six league starts.

Source: NY Times

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