Crystal Palace in Talks to Re-Sign Evann Guessand on Loan

Crystal Palace have opened negotiations to bring Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand back to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa, according to reports. The 24-year-old previously spent a successful loan spell with the Eagles during the 2023-24 campaign, where he impressed with his versatility and work rate.

The news comes as Palace look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the January transfer window, with the club currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table. A return for Guessand would provide manager Oliver Glasner with additional firepower as he looks to steer the club away from any relegation concerns.

Context: Guessand's Previous Spell and Current Situation

During his earlier loan at Crystal Palace, Guessand made 22 Premier League appearances, contributing three goals and two assists. His ability to play across the front line—whether as a central striker, on the wing, or in a withdrawn role—made him a valuable squad member. However, he returned to Aston Villa at the end of the season, where he has struggled for regular first-team football.

At Villa Park, Guessand has found himself behind the likes of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán in the pecking order. He has made just six substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, accumulating a total of 54 minutes on the pitch. This lack of game time has prompted the player to seek a move away in search of regular minutes, with Palace emerging as a likely destination.

Impact: How Guessand's Arrival Would Affect Crystal Palace

Should the deal be completed, Guessand would add depth and quality to a Palace attack that has scored only 26 goals in 21 matches this season. His familiarity with the club and the league would allow him to hit the ground running, minimising the usual adaptation period for new signings.

  • Tactical versatility: Guessand's ability to operate in multiple attacking roles would give Glasner the flexibility to switch formations without disrupting the team's rhythm.
  • Competition for places: His arrival would increase competition for spots in the front line, potentially pushing existing forwards such as Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Édouard to raise their performance levels.
  • Fantasy Premier League potential: Priced at £5.5m, Guessand could be a budget enabler for FPL managers, especially with Palace's favourable run of fixtures after the international break. He has an ownership of just 2.1%, but if he secures a starting role, he could be a differential pick.

From a tactical standpoint, Guessand's pressing intensity and ability to drop deep to link play would suit Glasner's high-pressing system. His inclusion could also allow Palace to transition more effectively from defence to attack, a key area where they have struggled in recent weeks.

What's Next: The Stakes for Palace and the Player

Crystal Palace are keen to get the deal over the line before the transfer window closes on January 31st. With the club just five points above the relegation zone, every point matters, and adding a proven Premier League performer could be the difference between survival and a fight for safety.

For Guessand, a move to Palace represents a chance to revive his career and earn a permanent transfer or a more prominent role at Aston Villa upon his return. With the Ivory Coast international eager to secure a spot in his national team's squad for the 2026 World Cup, regular club football is essential.

The negotiations are ongoing, and Palace are hopeful of reaching an agreement soon. If successful, Guessand would become the club's second signing of the January window, following the arrival of defender Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg. Palace fans will be eager to see the forward back in red and blue, and his experience could prove invaluable in the run-in.

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