- Evann Guessand could become the first player ever to win two European trophies in one season
- Both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are in the finals of the Europa League and Europa Conference League respectively
- The forward joined Palace on loan in January
Evann Guessand is close to making history as the first player ever to win two European trophies in one season. The Ivorian will collect two winners’ medals if both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace win their respective finals later this month.
After signing for Villa at the beginning of the season for £30 million from Nice, the 24-year-old joined the Eagles on loan in January, which includes an option to buy.
It was clear to Unai Emery that he wasn’t at the level required for the Villans, so he sanctioned a departure. His short time at Villa Park was largely defined by a lack of clinical edge and a failure to keep hold of the ball.
The deal worked for both parties as Guessand would receive regular game time, and Villa would break even if Palace triggers the £28 million option to buy, given the loan fee was £2 million.
Before his move to London, he made twenty-one appearances for Villa, including seven in the Europa League. He scored one goal against Go Ahead Eagles and one in their 2-1 win over FC Basel, therefore contributing to Villa’s progression to the final.
For Oliver Glasner’s side, he has featured eleven times, with five of those coming in the Europa Conference League, where he netted once in a 2-0 win against Zrinjski Mostar.
However, he recently suffered a knee injury, which has kept him out of the last eight matches in all competitions. Despite returning to training, he may not play a part again this season.
How can Guessand win two European trophies?
Villa’s Europa League final is on May 20th against German side SC Freiburg in Istanbul. Palace then play a week later in the Europa Conference League, taking on Spanish outfit Rayo Vallencano.
Should the two clubs win their respective finals, then Guessand will collect the winners’ medals for each competition.
UEFA issues 50 gold medals to the winning teams of both the Europa League and Europa Conference League. There is no requirement for a player to make a certain number of appearances to qualify for a medal, meaning Guessand is likely to receive one of each if they both win.
This would make him the first player ever to win two different European competitions within a single campaign.
