Aston Villa are on the verge of a major transfer coup, with a deal to bring striker Tammy Abraham back to the club reportedly close to completion. The Midlands outfit are hoping to secure the former loanee on a permanent basis, using the lure of a long-term contract to win his signature.
The Contract Lure and Complex Deal Structure
Unai Emery's side have offered Abraham a substantial four-and-a-half-year deal, a clear signal of their faith in the 28-year-old English forward. This offer has reportedly convinced Abraham, who had interest from several other Premier League clubs, that Villa Park is his preferred destination.
However, the transfer is complicated by Abraham's current situation. He is on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas from AS Roma, with the loan agreement containing an obligation for Besiktas to make the move permanent. This means Villa must negotiate with the Turkish club, not Roma.
A Potential Player Swap to Facilitate the Move
To smooth the path for Abraham's arrival, Villa are considering sending forward Evann Guessand to Besiktas on loan as part of the arrangement. Guessand, a £30 million signing from Nice last year, has struggled for impact, scoring just twice in 19 appearances and failing to contribute a goal or assist in his last 12 Premier League outings.
It remains to be seen if Besiktas would accept Guessand as a suitable replacement for Abraham, who has been in fine form this season, netting 12 goals in 24 matches. His potential departure would fill a void for Besiktas, created by the imminent sale of Donyell Malen to Roma.
Abraham's Journey and Villa's Title Ambitions
Abraham's career has been nomadic, featuring seven clubs since his breakthrough from Chelsea's academy in 2016. His most prolific spell came during a previous loan at Villa between 2018 and 2019, where he scored 26 goals in 40 games. A subsequent permanent move to Roma was followed by loan spells at AC Milan and now Besiktas.
His potential return comes as Villa enjoy a stellar Premier League campaign. Currently sitting third in the table, they are just six points behind leaders Arsenal and are genuine contenders for a historic first Premier League title. Emery's men face Everton next on Sunday, January 18, before Europa League and Newcastle United fixtures.
Securing a proven goalscorer like Abraham could be the final piece of the puzzle for Villa's ambitious push for silverware this season.
