Evann Guessand, the 24-year-old forward, has shown little enthusiasm for a transfer to Saudi Arabia, despite significant interest from Neom SC. The Ivorian international`s strong preference is to continue playing at the highest level within Europe should he depart his current club, OGC Nice, this summer, as is widely anticipated.
Neom SC had indeed presented a substantial bid for Guessand, which, according to a report from L`Équipe, was valued at an impressive €35 million. However, given the player`s clear reluctance to make such a move, Nice respected his position. Consequently, Neom has now formally retracted their offer for the player.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace has also entered the fray, submitting an offer for Guessand. The Premier League club`s proposal amounted to €20 million, with the significant caveat that only 10% of this fee would be payable in the first season. Both the overall value of the bid and its proposed payment terms fall considerably short of Le Gym’s (OGC Nice`s) valuation and expectations.
Guessand, who is under contract with Nice until 2028, is reportedly valued at more than €30 million. With Neom SC no longer pursuing the transfer, the focus now shifts to whether Crystal Palace will decide to increase their offer to meet OGC Nice`s demands.