UPDATE: Aston Villa has escalated efforts to sign striker Tammy Abraham from Turkish club Besiktas, presenting a strategic player-plus-cash deal that could change the landscape for the Premier League club. Reports from Turkiye Gazetesi confirm that Villa is offering Evann Guessand, a 24-year-old French forward, as part of the transaction to secure Abraham’s return to Villa Park.
This latest move comes at a crucial time for Villa, who are currently ranked third in the Premier League and are in the midst of an unexpected title challenge, sitting level on points with Manchester City and just behind leaders Arsenal. With their sights set on bolstering their attacking options for the second half of the season, Villa manager Unai Emery has identified Abraham as a key priority.
Abraham, who has become a standout player for Besiktas since leaving AS Roma, has a release clause of €30 million. The inclusion of Guessand is seen as a way to alleviate some of this financial burden. Guessand, who joined Villa from OGC Nice in the summer of 2025, has struggled to make a significant impact in the Premier League, with only two goals and one assist in 19 appearances this season. However, his versatility as both a center-forward and a winger makes him an appealing option for Besiktas manager Sergen Yalcın.
“The inclusion of a high-potential replacement like Guessand could prove to be the breakthrough needed to finalize the transfer,” a source from the club indicated.
As the situation develops, the urgency surrounding Abraham’s potential transfer cannot be overstated. His return to Villa Park would not only bring back a proven goal-scorer—having netted 26 goals during his previous loan spell—but also add depth to a squad aiming for Premier League glory. With 12 goals already this season in Turkey, Abraham’s clinical finishing is viewed as the “missing piece” for Villa’s title aspirations.
The impending transfer also reflects the club’s ambitions as they look to maintain momentum in their title chase. Adding a seasoned player like Abraham would bolster competition for Ollie Watkins, enhancing Villa’s prospects significantly.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Villa and Besiktas to see if a deal can be struck that satisfies both parties. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates, as this could be a pivotal moment in the club’s pursuit of success this season.
Stay tuned for further developments as Aston Villa aims to finalize this high-profile transfer.
