When Tammy Abraham left Chelsea five years ago, fans were sad to see him go.
During a period in the club’s history that included the transfer ban, Abraham was one of many academy graduates who rose to the occasion, scoring 30 goals and picking up 12 assists in 82 appearances.
The striker left for Roma in August 2021, in search of more regular first-team football as Romelu Lukaku was purchased from Napoli - although Chelsea did have a £68m buy-back clause added into his contract. This season, he is on loan at Turkish side Besiktas, who have an obligation to buy him in the summer.
Tammy Abraham, right, left Chelsea in 2021 to join Roma.placeholder image
Tammy Abraham, right, left Chelsea in 2021 to join Roma. | Alex Burstow/Getty Images
Abraham, now 28, is eyeing a return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but likely won’t be reuniting with his former teammates at Stamford Bridge.
TalkSport has reported that he is instead looking to join Aston Villa, to provide support and competition for compatriot Ollie Watkins. Assuming this would be a loan move, it would help put Abraham back into contention for a spot in England’s World Cup squad this summer.
The centre-forward last played for the Three Lions back in June 2022, and has not been involved in discussions between pundits nor journalists about who should be taking part in this year’s tournament.
Watkins, as well as Brighton’s Danny Welbeck and ex-Brentford striker Ivan Toney, are among those thought to be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar - although Harry Kane is likely to star upfront in most games.
Abraham was dispatched on loan to Villa from Chelsea in the 2018/19 season, scoring 26 goals in 40 appearances.
Speaking on TalkSport, European football journalist Andy Brassell said: “He's done pretty well this season so far in a Besiktas team that's not going to win anything this season, but he's done very, very well.
“I think he's a really, really useful squad player for them [Aston Villa] and of course, been at the club before.”
It comes as Donyell Malen is touted with a move away from Villa Park, which could signal a straightforward “one in, one out” transfer policy regarding Unai Emery’s strikerforce.
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