Forward Evann Guessand, aged 24, appears on the verge of concluding his anticipated departure from OGC Nice this summer. According to reports from L`Équipe, the player is set to finalize a transfer to Aston Villa, with the deal valued at €35 million.
Following the final Ligue 1 match of the previous season in May, OGC Nice coach Franck Haise expressed doubts regarding the club`s prospects of retaining Guessand. It was understood that Nice faced financial constraints and were considering player sales as a means to fund reinforcements for their squad.
By late July, Haise reiterated his expectation that Guessand would not feature in his plans for the upcoming season, indicating a “90% chance” of his exit. While “Le Gym,” as OGC Nice is often known, had accepted a €35 million offer from Saudi club Neom SC, the Ivorian international opted to decline the move. Guessand`s preference was for a transfer to either the English Premier League or the German Bundesliga.
As per L`Équipe, Guessand is now on the brink of completing his move to Aston Villa. The comprehensive deal is reported to be worth €35 million, a figure that includes potential performance-based bonuses. The Ivory Coast international, who developed through Nice`s youth system, is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Birmingham-based club. He is anticipated to undergo his medical examination on Wednesday.