Quick Read
- Aston Villa has reached a preliminary agreement with Besiktas for striker Tammy Abraham.
- The deal includes a fee of €21 million plus 19-year-old defender Yasin Özcan.
- Abraham, 28, prefers a return to Villa, where he previously scored 26 goals in 42 appearances during a 2018/19 loan spell.
- He has scored 13 goals in 26 games for Besiktas this season, showcasing a strong return to form.
- The transfer involves complex negotiations due to Besiktas’s obligation to buy Abraham from Roma.
Aston Villa is reportedly on the verge of securing a significant transfer, with English striker Tammy Abraham poised for a return to Villa Park. The Birmingham-based club has reached a preliminary agreement with Turkish side Besiktas, setting the stage for the 28-year-old forward’s comeback. This potential move, which comes amid complex negotiations involving Abraham’s current loan-to-buy arrangement, is seen as a crucial step to reinforce Villa’s attacking options, especially following the recent departure of Donyell Malen to Roma.
Return to Villa Park: A Familiar Face for Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Tammy Abraham signals a clear intent to bolster their forward line. Reports indicate that Villa has offered a long-term contract, a 4½-year deal, to entice the striker back to the club where he previously enjoyed a highly successful loan spell. Abraham, who turned 28 in October, has reportedly expressed a preference for a return to Villa, despite attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, according to Transfermarkt.
The proposed deal for Abraham is understood to be a comprehensive package. Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme, reporting for Sports Digitale, revealed on X that Aston Villa’s offer to Besiktas includes a sum of €21 million alongside the transfer of 19-year-old defender Yasin Özcan. Özcan, who was signed by Villa from Kasımpaşa last year and has spent this season on loan at Anderlecht, would move in the opposite direction as part of the agreement. This structure highlights Villa’s commitment to securing Abraham, a player whose previous impact at the club left a lasting impression on fans and management alike.
Navigating Complex Negotiations with Besiktas and Roma
The transfer, while seemingly close, involves intricate negotiations due to Abraham’s current contractual situation. He is presently on loan at Besiktas from Serie A giants Roma, but crucially, the Turkish club has an obligation to buy him permanently. This means Aston Villa must navigate a delicate three-way negotiation, effectively buying Abraham from Besiktas, who would in turn complete their obligation to Roma. Fabrizio Romano, a renowned transfer expert, has given his signature ‘Here we go’ endorsement, confirming that Aston Villa’s hierarchy is currently in Turkey to finalize the deal, suggesting that the complex layers are being carefully unraveled.
The financial details, including the €21 million fee and the inclusion of Yasin Özcan, underscore the value placed on Abraham by Villa. While the obligation to buy clause could have complicated matters, Villa’s determined approach and Abraham’s reported desire for the move appear to be driving the deal forward. This intricate arrangement is a testament to the modern transfer market’s complexities, where player preferences, club obligations, and financial incentives all play a critical role in shaping outcomes.
Abraham’s Journey: From Serie A Struggles to Süper Lig Success
Tammy Abraham’s career trajectory since his last Premier League appearance in 2021 has been a journey of varied fortunes. His initial move to Roma in Italy saw a promising start, with his first year in Serie A described by Stefano Buonfino, Transfermarkt’s Content Manager in Italy, as his ‘finest period.’ Buonfino noted that Abraham was ‘considered a top player, almost on a par with Victor Osimhen for many.’ However, subsequent years saw a decline in performance, perhaps as his playing strengths became more understood by opponents, and he suffered a serious injury.
Upon his return from injury, Abraham faced increased competition at Roma and struggled to regain a consistent starting spot. A subsequent loan spell at AC Milan saw him primarily serve as a backup, and he was eventually sold to Besiktas for a significantly lower fee than Roma had paid. In contrast, his time in Turkey has been a remarkable resurgence. Cemal Utku Ağkaya, Transfermarkt’s Content Manager in Turkey, highlighted Abraham’s impressive form, stating he has scored 13 goals in 26 games for Besiktas. Ağkaya praised Abraham’s ‘mobility and passing quality – both of which are well above Süper Lig standards,’ and his instrumental role in creating space and orchestrating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. This strong performance in Turkey has evidently reignited Premier League interest, particularly from his former club.
Tactical Fit for Unai Emery’s Villa and Squad Depth Needs
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Tammy Abraham is driven by a clear tactical and squad depth imperative. The departure of Donyell Malen has left Unai Emery’s side seriously lacking options in forward areas, placing a significant scoring burden on Ollie Watkins. Abraham, at 6ft 4in, offers a different profile and physicality that Villa currently lacks, providing a robust presence that can complement Watkins or offer a distinct alternative.
Former Villains boss Dean Smith once described Abraham as a ‘handful’ for defenders, a quality that aligns with Emery’s tactical preferences. Emery is known to favor having a high-pressing target man as a tactical option, even from the bench. Abraham’s ability to hold up play, link with midfielders, and provide a physical focal point makes him an ideal fit for Villa’s system. His prolific 2018/19 loan spell, where he netted 26 goals in 42 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, demonstrates his proven capability to thrive at Villa Park. While Villa has also reportedly explored other striker options like Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos, Abraham appears to be their top target, indicating a strategic decision to bring back a player who knows the club and the league well.
The potential acquisition of Tammy Abraham underscores Aston Villa’s strategic commitment to addressing critical squad needs with a blend of familiarity and revitalized talent. By targeting a player with a proven track record at the club and recent strong form in a competitive European league, Villa aims to add crucial depth and a distinct tactical dimension to their attack, signaling an ambitious approach to maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League.