---
title: "Aston Villa close in on £26m attacker exit as Crystal Palace deal"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/11/aston-villa-close-in-on-26m-attacker-exit-as-crystal-palace-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-11T14:35:07Z"
modified: "2026-08-11T14:35:08Z"
---

# Aston Villa close in on £26m attacker exit as Crystal Palace deal

**Evann Guessand is closing in on another move to Crystal Palace after Aston Villa made significant progress in negotiations over the forward’s future.**

Foot Mercato reports that the two clubs are now very close to reaching an agreement, representing another step forward in the Evann Guessand transfer saga.

Santi Aouna and Kevin Massampu [report for Foot Mercato](https://www.footmercato.net/a1762685104802740864-aston-villa-et-crystal-palace-proches-dun-accord-pour-evann-guessand) that the Ivory Coast international is expected to return to Selhurst Park on a paid loan containing an option to buy.

It is a clear progression from earlier on Tuesday. [ReadAstonVilla reported at 08:30](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/11/crystal-palace-advance-talks-to-bring-back-26m-aston-villa-forward/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) that Palace were advancing talks over another loan, with personal terms already in place and an option to buy under discussion.

> 🔴🔵🇨🇮 BREAKING: Deal nearly agreed between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for Evann Guessand.\
> \
> Paid loan with option to buy.[@Santi\_J\_FM](https://x.com/Santi_J_FM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/gFVdPqUW5x](https://t.co/gFVdPqUW5x)
>
> — Palace Report (@PalaceReport) [August 11, 2026](https://x.com/PalaceReport/status/2087163279013478535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Evann Guessand transfer moves towards agreement

Guessand joined Aston Villa from Nice last summer for an initial £26million but struggled to secure a regular place under Unai Emery before joining Palace on loan in January. He made 14 appearances and scored twice during his spell in south London.

Palace subsequently allowed their previous purchase option to expire, leaving Guessand to return to Villa for pre-season. He has featured for Emery this summer, including starting against Bayern Munich, but another departure has remained a realistic possibility.

A fresh agreement would give Villa another opportunity to eventually move Guessand permanently while reducing the number of forwards competing for places in Emery’s squad.

The timing could also be useful as Villa consider further attacking additions. [ReadAstonVilla revealed earlier on Tuesday](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/11/aston-villa-open-talks-with-juventus-strikers-reps-as-move-advances/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) that Jonathan David’s representatives have held talks with the club over a possible move from Juventus.

Guessand leaving would create additional room in the attacking group, although there is no suggestion his departure is dependent on Villa signing another forward.

No deal with Palace has been formally completed yet. However, the move has progressed from renewed interest to advanced talks and now towards a club-to-club agreement, leaving Guessand increasingly close to another spell at Selhurst Park.