Desperate Newcastle United bid to trump Tottenham Hotspur to 6ft 2in Ligue 1 star

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Pranav Ravindrannair | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:21 PM ET

Newcastle United join the race for Tottenham Hotspur target Evann Guessand

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand appears to be stalling just as Premier League rivals Newcastle United circle. According to Africa Foot, the Magpies have now contacted the player’s entourage but are yet to engage in serious negotiations with Nice, a window of opportunity Spurs cannot afford to leave ajar.

Guessand, the 22-year-old Ivorian forward standing at 6’2″, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season with 13 goals, showcasing his ability to lead the line or operate out wide. His versatility and physical profile make him an ideal candidate to replace Richarlison should the Brazilian exit this summer, a scenario that’s looking increasingly likely with interest from Saudi Arabia resurfacing.

Spurs had been hopeful of landing Morgan Gibbs-White early in the window after triggering his release clause. However, Forest’s legal posturing has complicated the move and slowed negotiations to a crawl. With uncertainty over the deal’s outcome, Tottenham now risk letting Guessand slip through their fingers unless they act decisively.

Newcastle’s desperate lunge raises the stakes

Newcastle’s interest in Guessand reeks of panic. The Magpies have been left bruised in the market, having seen Hugo Ekitike snatched away by Liverpool and Bryan Mbeumo agree terms with Manchester United. Now, with Alexander Isak unsettled by renewed Liverpool interest, Newcastle are scrambling for options. Guessand, still attainable and relatively under the radar, fits their criteria.

But this is where Tottenham must show their ambition. Guessand is not just a contingency plan, he is a legitimate talent with room to grow, and his performances during loan spells at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes only confirmed what Ligue 1 watchers already knew: he’s a future star. With a contract running until 2028, Nice are under no pressure to sell, but the right offer from an ambitious club like Spurs could tempt them into negotiations.

No lack of suitors

Villarreal are reportedly maintaining regular contact with Nice, while Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce remain keen to reunite the player with a familiar system. Yet, neither of those options offers the Premier League platform or the project that Tottenham can.

Tottenham’s progress under Thomas Frank will be judged not just by performances but also by decisiveness in the transfer market. Spurs cannot afford to watch Newcastle steal a player that could replace Richarlison this summer. With Guessand’s combination of pace, strength, and eye for goal, this is the moment to strike. If Gibbs-White is stalled, we pivot. That’s what smart clubs do. N17 needs winners, not window shoppers.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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