Crystal Palace Open Talks for ‘Elite’ Striker Evann Guessand – Player Open to Premier League Switch
Crystal Palace have taken the first significant step in their pursuit of Evann Guessand, with reports confirming that the club has opened communication with the striker’s representatives regarding a potential summer move to Selhurst Park.
According to TBR Football, the South London club has reached out to the camp of the OGC Nice forward as they prepare for what promises to be a historic and challenging 2025/26 campaign—their first-ever season competing in European football after clinching their maiden FA Cup triumph.
Glasner Eager to Strengthen Attack Ahead of European Campaign
With Crystal Palace now set to juggle domestic and European commitments, manager Oliver Glasner is keen to bolster his squad, particularly in the attacking department. The Austrian tactician currently has Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah as his main striker options. However, with Mateta attracting serious interest from clubs such as Manchester United, the Eagles are already exploring reinforcements to ensure depth and quality in the final third.
Guessand has quickly emerged as a prime target, thanks to an impressive season in Ligue 1 where the 23-year-old Ivorian scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists—numbers that have earned him the label of an “elite” talent by several French football pundits.
Guessand Open to Premier League Adventure
Although Fenerbahce, now managed by Jose Mourinho, are seen as frontrunners for Guessand’s signature, there is strong optimism at Palace that they can still compete for the player’s services. Sources suggest that while a move to Turkey is currently the most likely outcome, Guessand remains open to joining a Premier League side, a factor that could swing negotiations in Palace’s favour if the club chooses to accelerate their interest.
Palace have already held preliminary talks with the forward’s representatives to understand the player’s intentions and the financial requirements of a potential deal. While it is not yet clear what fee OGC Nice would demand for Guessand, Palace are believed to have the financial muscle to challenge other suitors if they decide to make a formal offer.
The Bigger Picture: Striker Reshuffle Could Be Underway
The pursuit of Guessand also hints at a broader reshaping of Palace’s attacking unit. Although Jean-Philippe Mateta has enjoyed a resurgence and finished the 2024/25 campaign as the club’s top scorer, persistent transfer speculation and interest from major Premier League clubs could eventually result in his departure.
Even if Mateta stays, the need for rotation and depth—especially with European fixtures on the horizon—means Palace are looking to build a more robust and versatile attacking line.
In addition to Guessand, Palace are reportedly keeping close tabs on France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry, who had a breakout season with Villarreal. Barry is also being considered as a possible long-term addition or replacement option for Mateta, though fresh reports suggest Mateta may be inching closer to signing a new contract with the club.
A Smart Move for the Future?
Guessand’s profile aligns well with Crystal Palace’s current transfer strategy: young, dynamic, and with high upside potential. At just 23, the striker has not only shown great technical ability and finishing instincts but has also demonstrated creativity and unselfishness, as reflected in his assist tally. These attributes make him an appealing fit for Glasner’s style of high-energy, forward-thinking football.
His willingness to embrace a new challenge in England, coupled with Palace’s growing ambition and continental exposure, might just present the right conditions for a deal to materialize. If secured, Guessand would add another exciting chapter to Palace’s new era under Glasner and help lead the club into their European debut season with added firepower.