Transfer window: Evann Guessand returns to Crystal Palace

Evann Guessand is officially back at Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old forward signed with the Eagles on Wednesday on a season-long loan, which includes a conditional obligation to buy. Guessand, who already wore the club's colors during the second half of last season, successfully passed his medical before sealing his return to South London.

An encouraging first spell. Loaned to Crystal Palace for the second half of the 2025-2026 campaign, Guessand quickly injected pace and versatility into the attacking line. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him for a spell, the Ivorian international made 14 appearances across all competitions, netting 2 goals and providing 1 assist.

His stint was especially notable for collective success. With the Eagles, Guessand lifted two trophies last season: the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FA Cup, cementing his place in the squad that helped the London club enrich its trophy cabinet.

A historic season with two European trophies

The 2025-2026 season will go down as a special chapter in Evann Guessand's career. On loan at Crystal Palace from Aston Villa during the latter half of the campaign, the Ivorian striker managed the rare feat of winning two European trophies with two different clubs in a single season.

Still under contract with Aston Villa during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, Guessand was crowned Europa League champion with the Birmingham side while also clinching the Europa Conference League with the Eagles. This unusual scenario allows him to finish the season with two European titles to his name.

A journey between France and England

Developed at OGC Nice, Guessand gradually earned his place in French professional football before establishing himself as one of Ligue 1's most intriguing attacking talents. His strength, ability to play both centrally and out wide, and skill in transition play all caught the eye of Aston Villa.

The Birmingham club signed him in the summer of 2025 for around €30 million. After spending the first half of the season at Villa, the Ivorian then joined Crystal Palace on loan, where he made a strong enough impression to convince the Eagles to bet on him once again.

Palace outpaces the competition

His return was highly sought after. FC Porto and Bayer Leverkusen both showed interest in the player, but Crystal Palace ultimately won the race.

This new loan is a golden opportunity to bring back a player already adapted to the club's environment and to English football. For Guessand, it's above all a chance to fully reignite his momentum after a season disrupted by injury.

The Ivorian thus rejoins a club where he's already tasted success. His new goal: to confirm his attacking impact and secure a lasting place in the Crystal Palace project.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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