David Ornstein: Crystal Palace Target Villa Forward On Loan | OneFootball

Crystal Palace explore Evann Guessand loan as attacking reshuffle gathers pace

Crystal Palace’s January business is accelerating and, according to reporting by David Ornstein of The Athletic, talks are under way to bring Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand to Selhurst Park on loan before the transfer window closes. It is a move that reflects both Palace’s ambition to refresh their attacking options and Villa’s evolving squad dynamics.

Guessand, 24, only arrived at Villa in August from Nice in a deal worth €35million, with €30m paid upfront and a further €5m in add-ons. Yet his first half-season in England has been a struggle for sustained impact. As Ornstein reports, the Ivory Coast international has scored just two goals in all competitions, making six Premier League starts and 21 appearances overall, with both goals coming in the Europa League.

That context makes a loan feel logical for all parties. Palace are described as front-runners despite interest from other European clubs, and their interest is not new. The Athletic previously reported on January 20 that Palace were weighing up a move for Guessand after Villa expressed an interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta, hinting at a web of negotiations rather than a single isolated deal.

Palace’s evolving forward line

Palace’s winter activity has already reshaped the attacking picture. Brennan Johnson has arrived from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee approaching £35m, and the club are close to a verbal agreement for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers. That level of investment suggests Palace are seeking variety and depth rather than a single solution.

Guessand’s profile fits that theme. He offers pace, physicality and the ability to play across the front line, even if his output this season has been modest. A loan removes long-term risk while giving Palace a chance to assess whether his skill set translates more effectively in a different tactical environment.

Mateta domino effect

The potential arrival of Strand Larsen could pave the way for Mateta to leave. Nottingham Forest have previously made a £35m offer, while AC Milan and Juventus have also shown interest. If Mateta departs, Palace’s pursuit of Guessand feels less like opportunism and more like planning.

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This is where the Guessand deal becomes part of a broader structural reset. Palace are not simply adding bodies, they are preparing for possible exits and aiming to keep attacking balance.

Villa’s crowded attack

From Villa’s perspective, the logic is equally clear. Tammy Abraham has joined from Besiktas, and winger Alysson has arrived from Gremio. Those additions leave Guessand facing a more congested path to regular gametime. A loan offers him minutes, confidence and a chance to re-establish momentum in a demanding league.

For Palace, it is a calculated bet. For Guessand, it could be a timely reset. For Villa, it is squad management. January often works like this, not through grand gestures but through small, pragmatic adjustments that shape the second half of a season.

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From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this report feels like a classic January balancing act rather than a headline grabbing statement signing. Guessand on loan makes sense on paper, but fans will naturally ask whether he truly upgrades what Palace already have or simply adds another option to a forward line that has lacked consistency.

There is cautious optimism around the idea. Two goals all season does not scream instant impact, yet context matters. Villa’s attacking congestion, plus Guessand’s limited starts, suggest he has not had the rhythm needed to settle. Palace supporters have seen before how players can look revitalised with regular minutes and a clearer role.

The bigger talking point is what this means for Mateta. If Strand Larsen arrives and Mateta leaves, some fans will feel Palace are taking a gamble by reshuffling rather than building around a known quantity. However, there is also fatigue around inconsistency in front of goal, and a sense that change might be necessary to push on.

Supporters are likely to view Guessand as a low risk, potentially high reward move. On loan, he can be judged quickly. If he clicks, Palace gain a dynamic forward with resale or future options. If not, the club has not tied itself down.