Aston Villa are believed to be closing in on another January deal after reaching a verbal agreement, and they’re expected to formalise the deal within 24 hours.
NSWE backing Unai Emery with Aston Villa transfers
Unai Emery has long been forced to battle PSR shackles in his pursuit of a top-level squad who can compete with the traditional big six, but NSWE appear determined to back their head coach this month.
Villa are one of the favourites to qualify for next season’s Champions League draw and are outside contenders for the Premier League title itself, with Emery looking to bolster his side for what will hopefully be a historic end to 2025/2026.
Donyell Malen’s departure to Roma has left the Villans very short up top, while Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending injury has prompted them to look at midfield cover.
According to recent reports, Villa have been considering a host of options for the engine room, with AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and former star Douglas Luiz all linked in the last week.
Fabrizio Romano: Aston Villa could now re-sign another former star with Abraham
The Villans could seal multiple reunions this window.
Beyond midfield, Emery’s pursuit of a new number nine to complement Ollie Watkins appears to be drawing to a close.
Despite reliably reported interest in Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and even PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos, it appears the Midlands side have landed on their priority target, Tammy Abraham.
The 28-year-old, who finished the 18/19 season with 26 goals for Villa after dazzling on loan from Chelsea, has been at the centre of talks involving Roma and Bestikas.
Bestikas signed Abraham on loan with an obligation to buy last summer, with the clause triggered recently.
However, following complex talks with the Turkish Süper Lig side, it appears Villa have reached a compromise to bring back their former talisman and strike an emotional reunion.
According to Fabrizio Romano, defender Yasin Özcan will be included as part of an £18 million part-exchange deal for the player, plus add-ons, with Villa poised to land the centre-forward after lengthy negotiations.
Aston Villa to formalise Tammy Abraham deal ‘within 24 hours’
As per talkSPORT and GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, who shared another update on X this afternoon, the deal is still pending final details, but there is a ‘verbal agreement’ between the clubs.
Abraham has personally shaken hands on personal terms already, and his return to Villa Park is expected to be formalised within the next 24 hours.
Abraham will follow Brazilian prospect Alysson and teenage striker Brian Madjo through the door, but unlike the aforementioned duo, Villa’s latest January capture brings plenty of proven experience.
Journalist Henry Winter said a few days ago that Abraham’s capture for in and around the £18 million mark would represent a ‘bargain’ signing, having scored against the world’s most elite shot-stoppers ever since coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
“Tammy Abraham has scored against Alisson, Neuer, Sommer, Pope, De Gea, Maignan, Leno, Ramsdale, Szczesny, Vicario, Onana, Rui Patricio, Kasper Schmeichel and Dean Henderson amongst many others over the past decade and all over,” Winter exclaimed on X.
“Excellent striker. It’ll be good to see Abraham back in the Premier League. €20m is a bargain for a proven goalscorer who’s 28 and has a point to prove in World Cup year.”
His Premier League know-how and familiarity with Villa could prove invaluable for Emery, though it remains to be seen if Abraham will have Watkins looking over his shoulder.
Talks opened: Aston Villa now pushing to sign ex-Fulham star after being offered deal
They’re said to be ‘pressing ahead’.
