Crystal Palace hold talks to re-sign former forward after Eagles U-turn

Crystal Palace have taken a careful approach to their first summer under Pierre Sage, but the pressure to accelerate their plans is beginning to grow.

The Eagles have so far concentrated on defenders.

Oscar Mingueza became the first arrival of the Sage era after leaving Celta Vigo. The former Barcelona defender signed a four-year contract and can operate centrally or on the right.

Takehiro Tomiyasu then joined on a free transfer following a successful trial. His injury history makes the move a real gamble, but Palace know what a fit Tomiyasu can offer after his years with Arsenal.

Those additions have not completely filled the hole left by Lacroix.

Chelsea paid a reported £52 million for the Frenchman, giving Palace a major profit but removing a defender who had become crucial to their system.

Talks over Axel Disasi have continued as Palace search for a direct replacement, while Danny Imray’s £5 million move to Wrexham has added further money to the summer pot at the club.

There is also work to do in attack, with the demands of domestic and European football meaning another forward would be very useful.

Sage could particularly benefit from somebody able to play through the middle or from either flank, and ex-Palace loanee Evann Guessand could be a solid candidate and needs no introduction at Selhurst Park.

The Ivory Coast international first emerged as a target after an excellent 2024/25 campaign with Nice. He scored 12 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances and was voted the French club’s player of the season.

Aston Villa won the race for his signature in a deal reportedly worth £30.5million, handing him a contract until 2030. His first months in England were difficult, however, and he failed to score across 13 Premier League appearances for Villa.

Palace offered him an escape route in January.

They paid a £2 million loan fee and secured a £28 million option to buy. Guessand bagged two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions, including a dramatic late winner against Wolves.

That return was not enough to convince Palace to activate the option, and he went back to Villa this summer.

The door, though, may not be closed after all.

Crystal Palace pull Evan Guessand U-turn with talks reopened

The Athletic reporter Jacob Tanswell says Palace have revived their interest in signing the 25-year-old on another loan. They had initially chosen not to continue their pursuit, but fresh discussions have been held in recent days.

Other clubs are also exploring the situation, so Palace cannot assume they have a clear run.

A temporary deal would make sense if the terms are right.

Guessand, meanwhile, would return knowing the club, the league and many of his teammates.

Palace were not ready to spend £28 million on him, but a second loan could now offer them a cheaper way to discover whether there is still a player worth buying at Selhurst.