Aston Villa are reportedly considering a sensational move to bring former striker Tammy Abraham back to Villa Park during the January transfer window.
Villa's Ambitious January Plans
Aston Villa's impressive season under Unai Emery has fuelled ambitious transfer plans. The club currently sits third in the Premier League table, holding an eight-point advantage over fourth-placed Liverpool. With Champions League qualification a clear target and even an outside title challenge against Arsenal and Manchester City being discussed, strengthening the squad is a priority.
This context has seen Villa linked with several players, but a return for Tammy Abraham stands out as a particularly nostalgic possibility. The striker enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Villa from Chelsea during the 2018/19 campaign, scoring 26 goals to fire the club to promotion from the Championship.
The Path to a Potential Return
Abraham's current situation is complex but could present an opportunity. He is presently on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas from Serie A club Roma, with the Turkish club holding an option to make the deal permanent. However, the terms for that permanent transfer are yet to be finalised, potentially leaving the door ajar for other suitors like Villa.
Reports emerging on Sunday, 11th January 2026, have strongly linked the Birmingham club with a move to re-sign the 28-year-old forward. Intriguingly, Abraham has reportedly left Besiktas's mid-season training camp, further fuelling speculation about his future.
The Dream Shirt Number Incentive
A major subplot to any potential return involves the iconic No.9 shirt. Abraham has worn the No.9 for the majority of his senior career, but it is currently occupied at Villa by Harvey Elliott.
Elliott's own future at the club is uncertain. The playmaker has made just five appearances this season, and he needs to reach ten to trigger a £35 million obligation-to-buy clause from Liverpool. If Elliott does not hit that mark and departs, either in this window or in the summer, the No.9 shirt would become available for a new signing.
This presents a perfect scenario for Abraham, who could be handed his favoured number as a welcome gift upon returning to B6. Should the No.9 remain taken, Villa also have shirt numbers 13, 15, 18, and 21 free for new arrivals.
The potential transfer is already sparking debate among fans, who remember Abraham's crucial contribution during his previous stint. Whether Unai Emery sees the Roma striker as the missing piece for his high-flying side remains to be seen as the January window progresses.
