Crystal Palace winger Evann Guessand, who is on loan from Aston Villa, could become the first player to win two European trophies in one season should both sides win their respective finals
On-loan Crystal Palace winger Evann Guessand could make history by becoming the first player ever to clinch two European trophies in a single season. The 24 year old Guessand, who moved to Aston Villa in the summer for £26million from Nice, was snapped up by Unai Emery’s team despite interest from Palace.
However, the Ivory Coast international made a loan switch to Selhurst Park in January. He now stands to collect two winners’ medals if Villa and Palace triumph in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively.
Villa are set to take on German outfit Freiburg on Wednesday, while Palace will journey to Leipzig to face Rayo Vallecano a week later. Guessand made seven appearances in the Europa League for Villa during the group stage, scoring against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Basel.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Although he’s spent much of his time at Palace sidelined with a knee injury, he’s featured five times in the Conference League, netting against Zrinjski Mostar.
The 24-year-old, while not yet a household name, could be on the brink of making history if both English clubs emerge victorious. Former Manchester United star Antony nearly claimed this unique accolade ahead of Guessand last season, however, reports the Mirror.
The Brazilian transferred to Real Betis on loan from United as both his parent club and the Spanish side reached the finals of the Europa League and Conference League, respectively. However, the 26 year old missed out on double glory as United and Betis both suffered defeat.
Guessand made 13 Premier League appearances for Villa before departing for the Eagles. Sky Sports have reported that if the winger achieves eight goal contributions, it will activate a clause in his loan agreement to make it a permanent transfer for £28m.
It is also understood Palace possess an option to purchase Guessand for £28.5m should he fail to reach eight goal involvements – and that the player has already agreed personal terms on a four-year deal if his loan becomes permanent.
He has found the net twice for Palace, scoring in both the Premier League and Conference League, while also providing an assist. Upon arriving at Palace during the January transfer window, Guessand appeared to suggest it was the opportunity he had been anticipating.
“I’m really excited, really excited to be here. I was waiting for this moment for a very long time,” he said. “I’m excited to play with my new team-mates and fight with them, because we have some objectives, some targets, and I think with the quality we have, we can achieve something.
“I’ve seen a lot of qualities in this team. I’ve seen them playing. I think my first game in the [Premier] League was against Crystal Palace, and I’ve seen the quality of this team.
“Every player has this mentality to win, and the manager as well. I spoke with him and the way he plays, the way he gets the best from his players, this is what I really like. I want to improve – I want to get better and better every day – so there are lots of reasons to come here.” Villa are set to face Freiburg in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday night in the Europa League final. This will be Villa’s first opportunity to clinch a significant European trophy since 1982.
Palace are due to meet Vallecano in Leipzig, Germany, on Wednesday, May 27. The match presents the Eagles with the chance to secure their inaugural trophy on the European stage and could serve as a fitting send-off for departing manager Oliver Glasner, should the Eagles triumph.