Crystal Palace has rejected a transfer deal for Evann Guessand, a French forward who joined the Eagles on loan in January. Guessand scored two goals in 14 appearances but his future was in doubt after the clause to sign him permanently expired during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What happened?

Crystal Palace has rejected a transfer deal for Evann Guessand, a French forward who joined the Eagles on loan in January. Guessand scored two goals in 14 appearances but his future was in doubt after the clause to sign him permanently expired during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As per the latest from the Evening Standard, Palace have told Aston Villa they have no intention to revive a deal for the former Nice attacker.

Why it matters for Crystal Palace

The decision to reject the transfer deal for Guessand means that the Eagles will not be signing the French forward permanently. This could be a blow to the team's attacking options, especially with the upcoming season. Palace have been looking to bolster their squad this summer, but it seems they will not be signing Guessand.

What comes next?

Guessand could still leave Aston Villa before the end of September if an acceptable offer arrives for the 25-year-old. However, the club want to recoup as much of the £30M they paid to sign him in 2025. Meanwhile, Palace face Swindon Town and Bromley followed by a tour of Italy in August.

As Crystal Palace prepares for the upcoming season, they are currently sitting 8th in the Premier League with 0 points. Their next fixture is against Bournemouth on February 20, 2027, which will be their 3rd match in the table. The Eagles will be looking to get their season off to a strong start, but the decision to reject the transfer deal for Guessand may make it more challenging.

Crystal Palace's manager will be looking to find alternative solutions to bolster the team's attacking options. With the upcoming season just around the corner, the Eagles will be eager to get their campaign underway and make a strong start. The decision to reject the transfer deal for Guessand may have significant implications for the team's chances of success this season.