Crystal Palace weigh January recall Of Guessand to Aston Villa

Crystal Palace could send loanee Evann Guessand back to Aston Villa in January, Mick Brown reports for Football Insider, after the 25‑year‑old Ivory Coast striker struggled to make an impact under Pierre Sage and has been frozen out of the squad following disagreements over his performances and work rate.

Loan status and performance

Guessand has featured for only 56 Premier League minutes this season, all from the bench, and has not recorded a goal or an assist. The limited game time reflects the club’s decision to sideline him after a poor start.

FBref records two appearances, one shot on target and 13 completed passes from 15 attempts, giving him an 86 percent passing rate. Pierre Sage also omitted him from Palace’s Europa League squad, confirming his marginal role.

Coast considerations

He rejoined Palace in August on a season‑long loan after Aston Villa and Palace agreed terms that included a purchase mechanism. Sage has publicly challenged several players, including Dwight McNeil and Jaydee Canvot, who responded positively, whereas Guessand failed to win back his place.

Guessand arrived from Nice for £26 million in 2025 and scored two goals in 21 appearances during his first English season, including a strike against Wolves before a knee injury curtailed his involvement. Palace later declined their original option before agreeing another loan.

Standing at 6 ft 1 in, the forward can lead the line, drift wide and use his physique to protect possession. His 86 percent passing figure, albeit from a tiny sample, hints at link‑up ability.

Capology data listed by FBref puts his wages at £75,000 a week, adding a financial dimension to any January move.

Unai Emery needs attacking players who can meet his tactical demands consistently. A January return could give Guessand another chance, but it would hardly solve Villa’s forward‑line problems, leaving the club with a player who must rebuild his Premier League standing from scratch.