Aston Villa have completed their first major signing of the summer, bringing in Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French side Nice for a reported fee of at least 30 million euros ($35 million).
The 24-year-old, who netted 13 goals last season mainly playing as a winger, was named Nice’s player of the season. Villa described him as “a versatile operator capable of playing across the front line.”
While financial terms were not disclosed, reports said the deal includes up to 5 million euros in potential add-ons.
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“This club is special — history, pride, passion, the belief. When I heard the club wanted me, I didn’t think twice,” Guessand said.
Nice hailed the French-born forward as a “model of resilience,” noting his rise from the club’s youth system to making his senior debut in January 2020.
Villa, under Unai Emery, open their Premier League campaign on Aug. 16 at home to Newcastle.