AliousBrighton Launch €29M Move for Ligue 1 Star as Wolves Suffer Brutal Rejection in Striker Hunt
Wolverhampton Wanderers have taken a major hit in their summer transfer plans after missing out on top striker target Evann Guessand, with Brighton & Hove Albion now making a decisive move to snap up the highly-rated French forward.
Guessand, who finally cemented his place as a regular starter at OGC Nice during the 2024/25 season, had drawn strong interest from Wolves in recent weeks. The Premier League side was believed to be preparing a bid of around £25 million for the 23-year-old, as manager Vítor Pereira looked to reinforce his attack alongside new arrival Jorgen Strand Larsen.
But despite Wolves’ persistence, the move has collapsed. French outlet *L’Équipe* reports that Guessand is not enthusiastic about a switch to Molineux, dealing a brutal blow to the Midlands side. The rejection opens the door for Brighton, who have now entered the race for the forward with a reported €29 million offer in the works.
AS Roma have also stepped up interest, putting Wolves at the back of the queue. Adding to the competition, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe—led by José Mourinho—are lining up a €25 million bid, but Guessand is believed to have reservations about a move to the Turkish Super Lig.
Guessand enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 12 goals and contributing nine assists in 33 appearances. After years of being used primarily off the bench or loaned out—most notably to Nantes—he has finally shown the consistency and attacking output that top clubs are now chasing.
With the Nice academy product seemingly out of reach, Wolves must now pivot to backup targets. Millwall’s 20-year-old Serbian forward Mihailo Ivanovic is being closely monitored, having impressed in the Championship with 12 goals in 37 matches. Known for his physicality, work rate, and ability to hold up play, the young striker could be a longer-term solution.
Lazio striker Valentín Castellanos is another name reportedly under serious consideration. Dubbed “the next Didier Drogba,” the Argentine international hit double digits in both Serie A and the Europa League last season, making him an attractive option for Wolves’ attacking rebuild.
Still, Brighton’s aggressive approach for Guessand could see them land a major coup—especially if their €29 million offer sways both club and player. As it stands, Wolves are left empty-handed in the race for a proven top-flight striker and must act quickly to avoid falling behind in the summer window.
Alious
