25-year-old ‘set’ to join Crystal Palace with agreement close

Crystal Palace have taken a measured approach to their first summer under Pierre Sage, but the squad is beginning to look very different.

Óscar Mingueza became the new head coach’s first signing after arriving on a free transfer from Celta Vigo. The Spain international can operate at centre back, right back or wing back, giving Sage a useful, versatile addition.

Takehiro Tomiyasu soon followed after a trial. The former Arsenal defender also cost nothing following his departure from Ajax, although his recent injury record means Palace will manage him carefully.

The biggest change came in central defence.

Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea for £52 million, leaving Palace with an excellent profit but a major hole at the back. Replacing his pace and reliability remains one of the club’s most important jobs before the deadline.

Academy defender Danny Imray also joined Wrexham for £5 million, another sale which added useful funds to Sage’s summer rebuilding budget.

There has also been a dramatic switch in attack.

Brennan Johnson has moved to Everton only seven months after Palace paid Tottenham £35 million for him. Dwight McNeil travelled the other way in a straight swap, finally completing the Selhurst Park move which collapsed in January.

McNeil brings Premier League experience, while Palace are now also finalising an £11 million move for Real Salt Lake’s 19-year-old American winger Zavier Gozo too.

Sage still needs another forward for a season that will include Europa League football, and that explains why Evann Guessand has returned to the conversation.

The Ivory Coast international joined Palace from Aston Villa in January after struggling to command a regular place under Unai Emery. He didn’t produce huge numbers, but he offered strength, direct running and the flexibility to play across the front line.

Guessand made 14 appearances for Palace across the Premier League and Conference League, scoring twice and supplying one assist.

He created Ismaïla Sarr’s winner on his debut at Brighton, scored a late league winner against Wolves and struck against Zrinjski Mostar in Europe.

Palace allowed the original permanent clause to expire, but their interest never disappeared.

Crystal Palace ‘set’ to re-sign Evann Guessand with agreement close

Sky Sports journalist James Savundra now reports that the Eagles are close to agreeing another loan with Villa, with Guessand

‘set’ to make a return to south London.

The proposed deal would include an option to buy the 25-year-old next summer, giving Palace control without forcing them into an immediate long-term commitment.

Guessand is still under contract at Villa until 2030, yet his route to regular minutes remains uncertain. Returning to a club where he already knows the dressing room, culture and supporters makes the transition straightforward.

Sage would gain a powerful and versatile attacker who has already delivered decisive moments in red and blue.

Palace would also retain the freedom to judge him across a full campaign before deciding whether he deserves a permanent place in their new era.