Evann Guessand is expected to remain at Aston Villa this season after Crystal Palace decided against activating their £28 million option to sign the striker permanently.
FootballPlace understands the Ivory Coast international will report back for pre-season at Bodymoor Heath, where he will have the opportunity to impress Unai Emery following his loan spell at Selhurst Park.
The decision gives Guessand a fresh chance to establish himself at Villa after a difficult first campaign in claret and blue.
Crystal Palace decline permanent transfer
Guessand joined Crystal Palace on loan in January after struggling for opportunities during the first half of the season at Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old arrived at Villa from Nice in a deal worth around £30 million last summer but failed to score in 13 Premier League appearances before making the temporary switch to south London.
Although Guessand was reportedly open to remaining at Palace permanently, the Eagles have chosen not to trigger the agreed £28 million purchase option.
New head coach Pierre Sage is instead expected to pursue alternative attacking targets ahead of the new campaign.
Injury disrupted promising loan spell
Guessand initially provided useful depth as Palace balanced Premier League football with their successful UEFA Conference League campaign.
However, a knee injury interrupted his progress at a crucial stage of the season, making it difficult to regain a regular place in Oliver Glasner's side after returning to fitness.
He ultimately featured for just 10 minutes from the bench as Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano to lift the Conference League trophy, ending his loan on a frustrating note despite the club's historic European success.
Emery now has another attacking option
Guessand's return comes at an important time for Aston Villa.
The departures of Donyell Malen, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho have reduced Emery's attacking options, increasing the likelihood that the French-born forward will receive another opportunity during pre-season.
Emery previously made no secret of his reluctance to sanction Guessand's January departure, suggesting the Villa manager still believes the striker has qualities that could benefit his squad.
Whether Guessand remains beyond the summer may ultimately depend on his performances over the coming weeks, but for now his future appears to lie at Villa Park rather than Selhurst Park.
Key Points
- Crystal Palace have declined their £28 million option to sign Evann Guessand.
- The striker will return to Aston Villa for pre-season.
- Pierre Sage has chosen to pursue alternative attacking targets.
- A knee injury limited Guessand's impact during his loan spell.
- Unai Emery is expected to assess the forward before making a final decision.
What's next?
Guessand is expected to begin pre-season with Aston Villa as Emery evaluates his attacking options ahead of the new campaign. While the striker now has another opportunity to earn his place, Villa could still consider offers later in the transfer window depending on his performances and any further additions to the squad.
Should Aston Villa give Evann Guessand another chance this season, or would a permanent transfer be the best outcome for all parties?
1 Comment (last comment by Malc Johnson)
First read message
By Malc Johnson 14 Jul 2026 16:03
Play him down the middle, not out wide. He was bought as a striker, so give him a chance there.
By JamesLove 14 Jul 2026 16:31
i dont know, I don’t think he’s good enough to go forward with.
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