Crystal Palace Finalise Loan Agreement for Aston Villa Forward Evan Guessand
In a late January transfer window move, Crystal Palace have reportedly agreed a loan deal for Aston Villa forward Evan Guessand, with a medical examination booked for Friday ahead of the deadline. This development comes as the Eagles look to bolster their attacking options before the window closes.
Details of the Transfer Agreement
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace have secured a loan arrangement for the 24-year-old French forward, which includes an option to make the move permanent. Sky Sports have provided further insight, revealing that the option to buy is valued at £28 million. This could potentially convert into an obligation to purchase if certain performance-based conditions are met during his loan spell.
The conditions are understood to be linked to the number of appearances Guessand makes for the Selhurst Park club. Should the transfer become permanent, the forward has already agreed to a four-year contract with Crystal Palace that would commence in the summer.
Timeline and Immediate Plans
Guessand travelled to London on Thursday to complete the necessary formalities, with his medical examination scheduled for Friday. For the forward to be eligible for Palace's upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, the deal must be finalised by 12pm on Friday.
This move represents a significant shift for Guessand, who only joined Aston Villa in August for a fee of £30.5 million on a five-year contract. During his time at Villa Park, he has made thirteen Premier League appearances this campaign, registering just one assist.
Player Background and Manager's Perspective
The forward began his professional career with Nice, progressing through the academy of the Ligue 1 club before his move to the Premier League. While his domestic form has been modest, Guessand has shown promise in European competitions, scoring two goals in seven Europa League outings this season.
Interestingly, he would be eligible to represent Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Conference League success. Last month, Villa manager Unai Emery spoke positively about the player's development, stating: "He needs time, and he's competing very well. I'm so, so happy with him, and especially because we are trying to get in our structure his best position to help us and support us in our structure with his qualities."
Emery further elaborated on Guessand's versatility, noting: "In the attacking third, he can play right, he can play even as a striker and he can play on the left side. We decided to play as a right winger and try to get there the tactical objective we have collectively and then individually, using him with his skills."
Broader Transfer Context
This loan move comes as Palace had been pursuing other attacking options, including a potential £50 million deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen on Friday. The agreement for Guessand represents a more immediate solution as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
With the deal expected to be completed well in advance of Monday's deadline, Guessand will not have the opportunity to further develop under Emery at Aston Villa. Instead, he now prepares to embark on a new chapter with Crystal Palace, where he will aim to secure more regular playing time and demonstrate the potential that prompted Villa's initial investment.
