Evann Guessand, the Crystal Palace winger 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 is in line for winners' medals if both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace triumph in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively.
Guessand joined Aston Villa from Nice for £26 million last summer but moved to Selhurst Park on loan in January. He featured seven times in the Europa League for Villa during the league phase, scoring against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Basel. For Palace, he has played five times in the Conference League, netting against Zrinjski Mostar.
Aston Villa face SC Freiburg in the Europa League final on May 20 in Istanbul, while Palace take on Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig on May 27. Should both English sides win, Guessand would make history. Last season, Antony of Manchester United and Real Betis came close but both lost their respective finals.
Guessand has made 13 Premier League appearances for Villa and has scored twice for Palace, with one assist. His loan deal includes a clause for a permanent move if he registers eight goal contributions; otherwise, Palace hold an option to buy for £28.5 million. The player has already agreed a four-year contract if the move becomes permanent.
Upon joining Palace, Guessand said: 'I was waiting for this moment for a very long time. I want to improve – I want to get better and better every day.' Villa's final is their first chance at a major European trophy since 1982, while Palace seek their first European silverware.
