Leeds United are keeping an eye on OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand with a view to a potential move in the summer, according to teamTALK.
The Yorkshire outfit are preparing for a potential return to the Premier League next season and have their eyes on signing top-flight talent if they get there, with Guessand reportedly on their radar. The attacker, who mainly plays up front but can be deployed on the wing, has been in fine form this season, which has clearly caught the eye at Elland Road.
In 31 games this season, Guessand has scored ten times and contributed eight assists, proving a key part of Nice’s attacking play as they sit third in Ligue 1, in line for a Champions League place as things stand. This season has been by far his best in front of goal in his short career thus far, doubling his goal tally and some, up to 18 career goals for Nice.
As well as his spell on the south coast of France, he has also had a couple of loans with varying success, at Nantes and more successfully at Lausanne in Switzerland before establishing himself at his parent club in the last couple of seasons. In addition to his club success, Guessand is also finding his feet at international level; having represented France up to under-19 level he made the switch to the Ivory Coast, for whom he made his senior debut in June 2024.
Leeds’ interest in Guessand comes with a striker likely at the top of their wishlist this summer, whichever division they are in. Current first choice Joel Piroe has shown quality but would likely be a rotation option in the Premier League, while youngster Mateo Joseph is still raw. Leeds could do with a first-choice player to lead the line, and seem to be targeting Guessand for just that.
Writer’s View
This would be a good move for Leeds; their current strikers probably aren’t Premier League level, so they will need reinforcements. Guessand is a quality player who, at 23, would have decent resale value if he succeeds, and is on the up in terms of career trajectory and top level experience. The only issue would be money. Guessand is under contract until 2028 and wouldn’t come cheap, so would likely only be pursued if Leeds went up.
