Tammy Abraham forced into new role and not the same player Premier League fans remember

Tammy Abraham would return to the Premier League as a different player from his time at Chelsea.

That is according to European football journalist Andy Brassell after Aston Villa emerged as potential suitors.

Getty

Unai Emery’s side are eyeing a move for Abraham this month as they look to provide support and competition for Ollie Watkins.

Abraham is keen on returning to England after almost five years away, talkSPORT understands.

However, he has changed as a player in that time after injury setbacks and a different role during his spell in Italy.

The 28-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas, who have an obligation to sign him permanently from Roma in the summer.

Abraham’s time in the Italian capital was hampered by an ACL injury in the summer of 2023 which ruled him out for nine months.

He subsequently had a reduced role during his loan spell at AC Milan last season, starting just 17 matches across all competitions.

Abraham’s new role

Brassell believes this could make him ‘useful’ to Villa as they look to add to their centre-forward options.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he explained: “He’s done pretty well this season so far in a Besiktas team that’s not going to win anything this season, but he’s done very, very well.

“I think really what’s changed him is A, that big injury at Roma and B, the loan to Milan last year, where he was back up, but it’s really changed him as a player.

“Before he was a goal scorer and hardworking enough, but someone who’s used to being a starter. But since he’s not been a starter, he’s found so many different ways to make himself useful to the team.

AFP

“So if you’re asking me, do I think he could have an impact off the bench for Villa? I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.

“I think he’s a really, really useful squad player for them and of course, been at the club before.”

Abraham has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Besiktas so far this term.

However, his current club find themselves fifth in the Turkish Super Lig and 13 points adrift of leaders Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, Villa’s impressive campaign so far sees them sitting third in the Premier League.

The seven-time champions are level on points with Manchester City and six points behind Arsenal at the top of the table.

Getty Images - Getty

Abraham previously scored 26 goals in 40 appearances for Villa during the 2018/19 season on loan from Chelsea.

That season ended with the club winning promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.

As for his Premier League record, he scored 26 goals in 89 matches for Swansea and Chelsea in the top-flight.

Abraham has also won 11 caps for England, the last of which came in June 2022.