EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle United Eye Evann Guessand After Missing Out on Top Forward Targets
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has been riddled with setbacks and frustration, as the club scrambles to reinforce its attacking options with just under a month remaining before the new Premier League season kicks off. Following the departure of influential Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, whose exit in May came as a shock to many, and amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, the Magpies have endured a string of unsuccessful pursuits for their forward targets.
The club’s transfer ambitions have been clear—Newcastle are determined to bring in a dynamic and versatile attacker to ease the pressure on Isak and bolster Eddie Howe’s frontline. However, their attempts to land marquee names have so far ended in disappointment, forcing the recruitment team to shift their focus to lesser-known but promising alternatives on the European circuit.
Target After Target Slips Away
Newcastle initially looked to Bryan Mbeumo, but the Cameroonian is now close to joining Manchester United, as the Red Devils tabled a financial package Newcastle deemed excessive. In response, the club made a quick pivot to Anthony Elanga, successfully securing the former Manchester United winger in what looked like the start of a solid recruitment drive.
Unfortunately, that momentum soon stalled. Highly-rated striker Liam Delap opted for Chelsea, rejecting a competitive offer from Newcastle. In a double blow, Joao Pedro, the multi-position forward from Brighton, was also hijacked by Chelsea at the final hour. Adding to the frustration, Newcastle’s bold attempt to bring in Hugo Ekitike was ultimately foiled by Liverpool, who entered the scene after realising that prising Isak away from St James’ Park would be too costly and complicated this summer.
Newcastle Turn to France for Reinforcements
With their top three attacking targets out of reach, Newcastle are now exploring a broader range of options—this time turning their gaze to Ligue 1. According to exclusive information obtained by NUFCBlog, the club has been monitoring Evann Guessand, a 24-year-old Ivorian forward currently plying his trade at OGC Nice.
Scouts from St. James’ Park have reportedly been watching Guessand closely throughout the 2023/24 campaign. And with the club now widening its search across Europe, the former France U21 international could become a realistic target—especially given his affordability compared to other names on the shortlist.
Guessand: A Rising Star in Ligue 1
Guessand enjoyed a breakout season with OGC Nice, recording an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Known for his versatility, he can operate across all attacking positions—including as a second striker—mirroring the profile of the previously targeted Joao Pedro.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Guessand combines physical presence with technical quality, making him a valuable asset for any side in need of a mobile target man or support forward. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Wolves, and West Ham also sending scouts to assess the forward.
This isn’t Newcastle’s first scouting mission at Nice—over the years, the club has kept tabs on talents such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Khephren Thuram, both of whom rose to prominence following the success of Allan Saint-Maximin, who previously made the move from the French Riviera to Tyneside.
A Cheaper but Riskier Option
While Guessand may not yet rank as Newcastle’s primary choice, especially after missing out on Plan A (Ekitike), Plan B (Pedro), and Plan C (Delap), he presents a more cost-effective alternative. In contrast to Ekitike’s £80 million valuation and Pedro’s £55 million price tag, Guessand could be available for a significantly lower fee, easing pressure on Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play balance.
However, any potential move for Guessand wouldn’t be without risk. Despite his promising numbers, he’s yet to prove himself in a league as demanding as the Premier League. Still, with Newcastle’s shortlist quickly shrinking, the Ivorian could become a serious candidate.
Other Names in the Mix
Another name on Newcastle’s radar is Yoane Wissa of Brentford. Although a more established Premier League figure, Wissa could come with complications of his own. He turns 29 in September, prompting questions about long-term value, and Brentford may demand a premium fee following the imminent sale of Bryan Mbeumo and the exits of manager Thomas Frank and captain Christian Norgaard.
The price tag for Wissa, combined with his age and limited resale value, could make the pursuit of younger, European-based talents like Guessand more appealing.
AFCON Participation Raises Availability Concerns
One notable caveat in considering both Wissa and Guessand is their international commitments. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to run across December and January, any player representing an African nation—such as Ivory Coast or DR Congo—would be unavailable for a critical part of the Premier League season, potentially missing six or more matches.
This factor will weigh heavily in Newcastle’s final decision-making, as Eddie Howe seeks to build a squad that can compete consistently throughout the entire campaign.
—
Summary:
Newcastle United are being forced to reevaluate their transfer strategy after missing out on multiple key attacking targets. With fewer than four weeks until the season begins, the club has turned its attention to OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand, a versatile and affordable option who is drawing interest across Europe. While not the first-choice signing, Guessand represents a lower-risk gamble who could offer high upside. Still, Newcastle must weigh his AFCON absence and Ligue 1-to-Premier League transition as they weigh a crucial next move.