Villa sign Guessand amid Watkins questions

Aston Villa add Evann Guessand to the squad, keeping Ollie Watkins in transfer talk as Premier League clubs watch the market

Villa sign Guessand deal while Watkins future remains uncertain

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Evann Guessand from Nice for around £26 million. The 24-year-old versatile forward is seen as a potential replacement option and adds depth to Unai Emery’s front line after Villa’s decision not to rush a Watkins exit before securing cover. Guessand cited Emery’s influence as a key reason for choosing Villa, saying their talks convinced him this is the right environment to develop and improve.

Villa have already bolstered the squad with Zepiqeno Redmond, Marco Bizot and Yasin Ozcan, while Ozcan heads to Anderlecht on loan. A number of fringe players have left, and the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has limited permanent deals for last season’s loanees. The report also notes Arsenal were linked with Watkins earlier this year, though they have since pursued other targets, with Viktor Gyokeres moving for a north of £60m fee. Manchester United are also mentioned as eyeing attacking options, while Newcastle United reportedly remain in the hunt for more depth. Rashford and Asensio are cited as examples of how the market shifts can affect Villa’s plans, with Rashford on loan to Barcelona and Asensio returning to Paris Saint-Germain for now.

Villa is betting on long-term growth under Emery, using Guessand as a piece in a broader rebuild. The move signals ambition but tests balance sheets and wage structures in a crowded market. The caution around Watkins’ future shows disciplined squad planning rather than rushing a sale for short-term gain.

Yet the risk is real. If Watkins departs, Villa must rely on Guessand and others to deliver goals, while the window’s heat from rival clubs could pressure Emery to stretch the budget further. The club’s combined spending and loan strategy will be watched closely by fans and investors who want clarity on the project’s payoff and the timeline for competing at the top of the table.

Highlights

Time will tell how this rebuild lands in the league.