Crystal Palace winger Evann Guessand, currently on loan from Aston Villa, has the chance to become the first player ever to win two European trophies in a single season. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international joined Villa for £26 million from Nice last summer, but moved to Selhurst Park in January on loan.
Two Finals, Two Medals
If Aston Villa win the Europa League and Crystal Palace triumph in the Europa Conference League, Guessand will collect winners' medals from both competitions. Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday, while Palace take on Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig a week later.
Guessand played seven times in the Europa League for Villa during the league phase, scoring against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Basel. Despite a knee injury limiting his game time at Palace, he has featured five times in the Conference League, netting against Zrinjski Mostar.
History Within Reach
No player has ever won two different European club competitions in the same season. Last year, Antony came close while on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United, but both clubs lost their respective finals. Guessand now has a unique opportunity to etch his name in the record books.
Loan Deal Details
Guessand made 13 Premier League appearances for Villa before his loan move. According to reports, if he registers eight goal contributions, the loan will become a permanent transfer for £28 million. Palace also hold an option to buy for £28.5 million if he falls short, with a four-year contract already agreed.
He has scored twice for Palace—once in the Premier League and once in the Conference League—and provided one assist. Upon joining, he said: "I was waiting for this moment for a very long time. I'm excited to play with my new team-mates and fight with them."
Finals Preview
Aston Villa face Freiburg in Istanbul on Wednesday night, aiming for their first major European trophy since 1982. Palace, meanwhile, will seek their first-ever European silverware against Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27, which could serve as a fitting farewell for outgoing manager Oliver Glasner.
