Aston Villa has officially signed striker Evann Guessand from Nice for a fee of £26 million, with an additional £4.3 million in potential add-ons.
The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international joins the club after a standout season in France, where he was named Nice’s Player of the Season.
Guessand’s arrival is a crucial boost for Villa’s attack, which has been stretched thin following the end of loan spells for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
With only Ollie Watkins as a recognized center-forward, manager Unai Emery was keen to add depth and versatility to his squad.
Last season, Guessand scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in Ligue 1.
A versatile forward, he can play across the front line and as a number 10, a quality that BBC Sport journalist Matthew Hobbs believes makes him an ideal replacement for Rashford.
“When I heard the club wanted me I didn’t think twice,” Guessand said. “I’m ready to give my all. Every game, every kick, every minute.”
This marks Villa’s second major signing of the summer, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
