Aston Villa striker Evann Guessand returns to Premier League rivals on loan

Evann Guessand has re-joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with a conditional obligation to buy.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season at Selhurst Park, helping Palace win the Uefa Conference League in May.

The Ivory Coast forward joined Villa in August last year but struggled for form under Unai Emery following his £26 million move to Villa Park.

After scoring two goals in 21 appearances, he joined Palace on loan in January, making 14 appearances and scoring twice. However, Palace opted not to sign Guessand permanently after an obligation-to-buy clause was not triggered.

The forward made two substitute appearances for Ivory Coast at this summer’s World Cup before returning to Villa for pre-season.

He was included in Villa’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East and played in all three matches against Indonesia All Stars, BG Pathum and Bayern Munich, but struggled to make an impression.

Now, Guessand has headed back to Palace for the new season, with Villa confirming the deal includes a conditional obligation to buy.

Upon re-joining Palace, Guessand said: “I’m so happy to be here.

“I already have good memories here - but I think it’s only the beginning. I hope many more are coming.”

The forward grew up in Marseille and had spells with Lausanne-Sport and Nantes before breaking through at Nice during the 2024/25 season, scoring 12 goals and winning the club’s Player of the Season award.

His performances earned him a move to Villa last summer, where he signed a contract until 2030.