Aston Villa s English forward Tammy Abraham during UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg Bologna vs Aston Villa Football Club at Renato Dall A...
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Thu 16 April 2026 12:10, UK
Tammy Abraham has hardly featured since returning to Aston Villa in January.
The Englishman was a highly anticipated signing from Besiktas over the winter as the Villans went in search of a new number nine.
He returned to Villa Park six years after his last outing in claret and blue secured a place in the Premier League with a win over Derby County at Wembley.
Things haven’t worked out quite as well as his loan spell so far back in B6, as Unai Emery seems reluctant to utilise the forward much.
That has raised concerns about Abraham and his future at Aston Villa, as his attitude is now being questioned.
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Tammy Abraham attitude concern amid Aston Villa frustration
There was an expectation that the number nine would come in from Besiktas and have an immediate impact upfront.
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It hasn’t been a dream season for Ollie Watkins, but he has continued to be the go-to man for Emery in the Midlands.
Stat (Premier League 25-26) Tammy Abraham
Appearances 9
Starts 1
Minutes played 199
Goals 1
Tammy Abraham Aston Villa stats 25-26
That has limited Abraham to small substitute cameos in the Premier League, culminating in a three-minute showing last time out against Nottingham Forest.
Alarm bells have been raised for former Villa scout Bryan King, who is concerned about the impact this sort of treatment could have on his temperament.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “If you are going to bring someone in for £20m, he needs to fit in.
“He’s on the bench, and you would expect to see much more of him. Three minutes against Forest?
“I quite like Watkins, but he hasn’t been at his best.
“Keeping him in and benching Abraham will impact his attitude.
Tammy Abraham Aston Villa stats
“He has played well when given a fair chance, and he’ll be questioning why he isn’t getting an opportunity.
“It’s not about 11 players, it’s about a squad, so Abraham should get a chance, but who knows?”
Abraham deserves a chance ahead of Watkins, but that doesn’t look like coming anytime soon.
Abraham treated shamefully vs Nottingham Forest
Villa are in a race to secure Champions League qualification and really should be securing wins against relegation-threatened sides.
They couldn’t manage that as the likes of Watkins and Morgan Rogers missed some pretty clear-cut chances in the 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
The Villans needed a goal, but Abraham was left to watch until three minutes were remaining, and there was no chance of him getting on the scoresheet.
Tammy Abraham Aston Villa stats vs Nottingham Forestt
He didn’t even get a touch of the ball as Emery seemed willing to see out the match to seal a point, rather than going for all three.
That sums up the treatment of the Englishman in B6 so far.
Villa don’t owe Abraham anything, but why sign a player for £20m just to leave him to rot on the bench? It doesn’t make any sense.
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