Unai Emery’s influence has proven to be key in convincing Evan Guessand to turn down €30m+ wages in Saudi Arabia to move to Aston Villa instead.
That’s [according to RMC Sport,](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/transferts/mercato-evann-guessand-a-refuse-un-pont-d-or-de-l-arabie-saoudite-pour-rejoindre-la-premier-league_AV-202508060196.html) who cover the forward’s impending move to Aston Villa after reports on Tuesday that a deal was close to being done.
RMC report that the Nice forward is expected to ‘quickly sign’ at Aston Villa and has even declined a huge offer from Neom SC In Saudi Arabia to instead move to Villa Park.
They cite information from L’Equipe, who report that Guessand was offered a golden bridge to Saudi Arabia, with Neom offering a four-year deal worth €34.4m in total.
His management encouraged him to make the move and join Christophe Galtier’s side, but Unai Emery proved to be decisive. He seemingly convinced Guessand of the sporting project at Aston Villa, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations and het World Cup in the horizon.
Now Guessand is expected to head to Birmingham on Wednesday where he will undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract on a transfer expected to cost €35m. French reports have reported a total package of €35m including bonuses, whereas sources closer to Villa prefer to go with the initial fee.
Neom had offered the same figure and the huge wage packet, but Unai Emery was personally involved in the matter and convinced the player to move to Aston Villa instead.