Crystal Palace have completed the return of Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand, with the 25-year-old joining from Aston Villa on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy.
The agreement was confirmed in an official statement by Crystal Palace after the two clubs held advanced discussions in recent days. Guessand, who plays primarily as a right winger, will return to Selhurst Park for a second spell with the Eagles.
Guessand initially joined Aston Villa from OGC Nice in the summer of 2025. He spent the second half of the 2025/26 season with Crystal Palace, where his performances gave him further experience of the Premier League and established him as an effective attacking option.
His return gives Crystal Palace a player already familiar with the club and its surroundings. The London club will hope to benefit from Guessand’s physical strength, movement and ability to operate in several attacking positions as they prepare for the new campaign.
For Aston Villa, the loan is intended to provide Guessand with more regular playing time. Should he reproduce his qualities in a Crystal Palace shirt, the purchase option could lead to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
The deal represents an attacking addition for Crystal Palace before the start of the new Premier League season, while also giving Guessand the chance to continue his development in an environment he knows.
Guessand remains under contract with Aston Villa until 30 June 2030. His estimated market value is €25m, while his reported annual salary at Aston Villa is €2,249,654 (£1,462,275,100 CFA francs).
Hull City, who have recently been promoted to the Premier League, had also shown an interest in signing the Ivorian, according to exclusive sources cited by Africafoot.
Crystal Palace are due to begin their English league campaign against Everton. Betting company 1xBet lists Crystal Palace at 3.25 to win, with a draw also priced at 3.25 and an Everton victory at 1.99.