Aston Villa Loanee Could Return In January: Would They Benefit From This?

Crystal Palace could send Evann Guessand back to Aston Villa in January after his difficult start under Pierre Sage, according to Mick Brown in Football Insider. The report says Palace have frozen the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international out after disagreements over his performances and work rate.

Guessand has played just 56 Premier League minutes this season, all from the bench, with no goal or assist. FBref records two appearances, one shot on target and 13 completed passes from 15 attempts.

His situation became even clearer when Sage omitted him from Palace’s Europa League squad. Guessand joined Palace again in August on a season-long loan after Villa and Palace agreed terms that included a purchase mechanism.

Football Insider’s reporting says Sage has challenged several players publicly, including Dwight McNeil and Jaydee Canvot. Brown believes those players responded better, while Guessand has failed to force his way back into contention. The report therefore raises the possibility of an early return to Villa Park.

Would Aston Villa benefit from Guessand’s return?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Evann Guessand of Crystal Palace is tackled by Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Crystal Palace FC at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

For Aston Villa, the January outcome looks awkward rather than useful. Guessand arrived from Nice for £26m in 2025 and managed two goals in 21 appearances during his first season in England.

His Palace spell initially offered a route back. He scored against Wolves and helped the club during their Conference League run, yet a knee injury later restricted his involvement. Palace then declined their earlier option before agreeing another loan.

There is genuine versatility in Guessand’s playing style. At 6ft 1in, he can lead the line, attack from wide areas and use his frame to protect possession. His 86% passing figure from the 15 attempts listed in the current campaign hints at that link-up ability, although such a tiny sample tells us very little on its own.

The bigger issue sits in the output. Guessand produced no Premier League goals for Villa last season, while his Palace spell this term has produced zero goals and assists from 56 minutes. Capology data listed by FBref puts his wages at £75,000 a week, adding another financial consideration for Villa.

Unai Emery needs attacking players who can execute his demands consistently. A January return could give Guessand another chance, yet it would hardly solve Villa’s forward-line problem by itself. Aston Villa would instead inherit a player who needs to rebuild his Premier League standing from scratch.