Aston Villa are set to confirm the arrival of Tammy Abraham after the striker successfully completed his medical, marking Unai Emery’s third signing of the January window.
It’s understood that Abraham has now put pen to paper on a contract that seals a permanent return to Villa Park, seven years after his memorable loan spell from Chelsea came to an end. Negotiations proved complex, as Besiktas were first required to make Abraham’s loan move from AS Roma permanent before sanctioning his sale.
The Turkish Super Lig outfit were also firm negotiators, pushing for a Villa player to be included in the deal as well as a fee that would ensure a healthy profit. Ultimately, Villa agreed a package worth €21 million (£18.2m), including add-ons, along with the addition of highly-rated Turkish centre-back Yasin Ozcan. Despite suggestions that Ozcan’s value was factored into the fee, it’s understood the defender joins on top of the cash payment.
Abraham completes Villa medical
The striker touched down in England late on Friday, with Saturday reserved for the final stages of his medical at Bodymoor Heath. Subject to international clearance, Abraham is now effectively an Aston Villa player.
This represents a major boost for Emery, who has been keen to strengthen his attacking options with a forward capable of both competing with and occasionally partnering Ollie Watkins. A move for Donyell Malen ultimately fell through, with the Dutch international unable to fully meet the manager’s demanding tactical requirements.
Villa supporters will be thrilled to welcome Abraham back, given his immense popularity during his previous spell at the club. Standing 6ft 4in tall, the striker scored an impressive 25 goals in 37 Championship appearances during Villa’s promotion-winning 2018/19 season, finishing second in the Golden Boot standings behind Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki.
Now 28, Abraham has enjoyed a solid campaign so far, registering 13 goals and three assists in 26 outings across all competitions. The former England international will be determined to make an immediate impact in B6 as Villa push for a top-four Premier League finish and aim to cement their return to the Champions League.
