Crystal Palace are gearing up for a significant summer signing as they close in on a deal for Evann Guessand, the dynamic forward from OGC Nice. This move, reported by journalist Chris Wheatley on July 25, 2025, could be a pivotal addition for the Eagles as they aim to build on their recent FA Cup success and prepare for the rigors of European competition.
Guessand, 24, has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, delivering an impressive 21 goal contributions last season, including 13 goals and 8 assists. His blend of pace, direct dribbling, and sharp movement in the final third has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United. West Ham even submitted a bid for the Ivory Coast international in January 2025 and were reportedly ready to make another attempt this summer.
Playing primarily as a winger on the right flank, Guessand is known for his ability to get into the box and create scoring opportunities, providing a constant threat to defenses. His style is often described as that of a hybrid attacker—combining the physical presence of a centre-forward with the agility and skill of a wide player. This versatility allows him to switch positions seamlessly depending on tactical demands, a quality that Palace's coaching staff values highly.
Palace's interest in Guessand aligns with their strategic goal of adding attacking flexibility to their squad. The club recently made moves to strengthen their defense by signing left-back Borna Sosa for around €4 million, following Ben Chilwell's departure to Chelsea. Additionally, the Eagles secured goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven to back up their first-choice keeper, Dean Henderson. These signings reflect a club intent on bolstering key areas ahead of a challenging season on multiple fronts.
Guessand's potential arrival would also introduce healthy competition for the right-wing position, particularly challenging the role of Ismaila Sarr, who has been an unsung hero for Palace. Both players share traits such as high-level sprints, intelligent off-ball movement, and the ability to link play effectively—attributes reminiscent of elite wide forwards like Mohamed Salah. This competition could elevate the team's attacking prowess, offering manager Glasner more tactical options as Palace prepare for European fixtures.
However, the transfer saga has not been without complications. Wolverhampton Wanderers had shown considerable interest in Guessand, especially after the departure of Matheus Cunha in June 2025. Wolves viewed Guessand as a potential striker to support Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored 14 goals in his debut season at Molineux. Despite this, Wolves' pursuit stalled due to financial constraints. Nice reportedly valued Guessand at around £34 million, while Wolves were unwilling to exceed a £21 million spending limit per player this summer.
Fenerbahce's £26 million bid for Guessand further complicated the transfer landscape, pushing Wolves out of contention. This financial prudence by Wolves is part of a broader strategy under Fosun, their ownership group, which has prioritized sustainability but arguably at the expense of on-field progression. The club also withdrew from a move for Richard Rios due to his £26 million asking price, signaling a reluctance to invest heavily in new talent.
Wolves' limited transfer activity contrasts sharply with Palace's more assertive approach. While Wolves aim for a mid-table finish under manager Vitor Pereira, the lack of significant backing in the transfer market casts doubt on their ability to climb higher. Meanwhile, Palace's targeted signings suggest a club ready to challenge on multiple fronts, especially as they prepare for European competition following their FA Cup triumph.
Adding to the pressure on Palace is the potential departure of Eberechi Eze, with Arsenal reportedly closing in on the playmaker. Should Eze leave, Palace will need to find a replacement on the left flank to maintain their creative spark, making Guessand's signing even more crucial to their attacking balance.
According to Glasner, Guessand is the kind of player who can help Palace adapt quickly to the challenges ahead. His natural instinct for creating chances, often using through balls and quick passes to unlock tight defenses, will be invaluable as the Eagles look to compete domestically and in Europe.
In summary, Crystal Palace's pursuit of Evann Guessand signals their intent to enhance their attacking options significantly. With competition from other Premier League clubs and financial hurdles impacting rivals like Wolves, Palace currently hold the upper hand in securing the versatile Nice forward. As the transfer window progresses, fans will be watching keenly to see if this deal materializes and how it might influence Palace's fortunes in the coming season.
