Haise hints at Guessand exit as Nice eyes replacement

OGC Nice are preparing for life without Ivorian striker Evann Guessand as the club’s 2024/25 Player of the Season is expected to leave during the summer window.

Nice coach Frank Haise opted not to select the Ivory Coast international as a starter during a 3-3 draw against AS Nancy Lorraine on Saturday, July 19.

The French coach said he expects Guessand to depart from the Ligue 1 side.

“We are 95% sure that he will leave during the preparation, but we don’t know exactly when. Even if he doesn’t necessarily start the matches, I am giving him playing time, and if he is still with us on August 10, 12, or 17, I won’t hesitate to play him in our first matches. The goal is to get him going — for him and for us,” said Haise.

The strong words of the former RC Lens trainer are encouraging for the suitors of the 24-year-old forward.

Nice lost their striker Gaëtan Laborde to a Saudi Arabian second-division side and hopes to keep Guessand for another season. Guessand scored 12 league goals last term.

Nice is expected to sign a replacement if Guessand leaves. Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed is tipped to be his successor.