Crystal Palace in Talks to Reunite with Evann Guessand on Loan

Crystal Palace are in talks to bring Evann Guessand back to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, a move that would reunite the Ivory Coast forward with the club where his Premier League career finally sparked into life.

Guessand, 25, arrived at Villa only last August in a £26m deal that promised goals and explosiveness. The reality was far more subdued. Two goals in 21 appearances across all competitions left him on the fringes of Unai Emery’s plans and searching for rhythm in a side chasing trophies on multiple fronts.

That rhythm only really came after January. Palace stepped in, offered him a fresh start and a different stage, and the forward responded. His first Premier League goal came in a tight 1-0 win over Wolves, a scrappy contest decided by his sharp movement and composure in front of goal. It was the kind of moment that suggested there was much more to come.

The London club then carried that momentum into Europe. Guessand played his part in a historic spring as Palace went on to lift the Conference League in May, the forward coming off the bench in the final against Rayo Vallecano to help see the job through. It was not a starring role, but it was a trusted one, the sort managers remember when they weigh up summer business.

His season became even more unusual when the honours were counted. Because of his earlier outings for Villa, Guessand also ended the campaign with a Europa League winner’s medal, having featured for Emery’s side before their run to the trophy. One player, two European titles, split between two clubs. It was a quirk of modern squad-building that underlined just how fragmented his year had been.

On the international stage, the forward added another line to his résumé. He made two substitute appearances for Ivory Coast at this summer’s World Cup, stepping into the glare of a global tournament and adding valuable experience, if not yet a starring role, to his growing portfolio.

Palace had the option to make his stay permanent earlier in the summer but chose not to trigger it, a decision shaped by finances, priorities and the pace of the wider market. Guessand returned to Villa for pre-season, back under Emery’s eye, but with his path to regular minutes still blocked by competition in attack.

Now the door at Selhurst Park is opening again. Talks over a season-long loan reflect a simple truth: Palace know exactly what they are getting. A forward who has already adapted to the dressing room, understands the demands of the league, and has shown he can deliver in tight games and high-pressure European nights.

For Guessand, another spell in south London offers something just as important as medals or transfer fees: the chance to turn flashes of promise into a full Premier League season that finally matches his potential.